as in flexible
often disapproving
giving people a lot of freedom or too much freedom to do what they want to do
permissive parents Some states have more permissive laws than others.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of permissive
The main parenting styles Psychological researchers have identified four main parenting styles: neglectful, authoritarian, permissive and authoritative.
—
Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Key Background The Supreme Court’s ruling comes after the high court has recently been largely permissive to parties seeking greater religious rights, including in schools.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
While many deal makers had expected the Trump administration to be more permissive than the Biden administration, many on Wall Street have been surprised by early signs that a tough-on-deals stance may persist.
—Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The relatively new Neighbors for a Better San Diego has been a leader in the public debate over whether the city’s ADU rules — the most permissive in the state — are too much.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for permissive
Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Key Background The Supreme Court’s ruling comes after the high court has recently been largely permissive to parties seeking greater religious rights, including in schools.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
While many deal makers had expected the Trump administration to be more permissive than the Biden administration, many on Wall Street have been surprised by early signs that a tough-on-deals stance may persist.
—Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The relatively new Neighbors for a Better San Diego has been a leader in the public debate over whether the city’s ADU rules — the most permissive in the state — are too much.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for permissive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permissive
Adjective
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Everything has to be centred on them, perhaps with a flexible back three with three attacking midfielders: Havertz as a false nine, Musiala half left, Wirtz half right.—
Philipp Lahm,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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This strategy is designed to capture recurring income through flexible consumption models that effortlessly connect on-premises with cloud environments.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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There have been informal talks between the clubs, but Newcastle, who are keen to avoid paying inflated fees, have alternative options.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
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Poor areas with informal housing were the worst affected, government officials said.—
Gerald Imray,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Camargo acknowledged that lenient sentences have encouraged armed groups to recruit minors to commit crimes.—
Manuel Rueda,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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Indeed, that is the key reason to implement a tariff in the first place: to protect domestic businesses, especially when foreign players operate under conditions that the domestic producers simply cannot compete with, such as more lenient safety standards and no minimum wages.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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But Sushi by Bou does it differently – this family of omakase restaurants keeps the experience accessible thanks to a $65, 12-course omakase.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Using different rules and gameplay mechanics that are supposedly more narrative-friendly and accessible, Daggerheart is one of many tabletop games coming for D&D‘s throne as the go-to system for fantasy adventures.—
James Grebey,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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In states with lax gun laws, private security—a broad, thinly regulated industry that heavily employs ex-cops and former servicemen—can be a bridge between law enforcement and vigilante activity.—
Jessica Pishko,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
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Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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The calf’s dorsal fin and tail flukes are also pliable and lack firmness, but will gradually stiffen in a few days.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2025
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This pliable attitude toward time can provide a welcome change in life.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Permissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permissive. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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