PROHIBIT Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'prohibit' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prohibit are forbid , inhibit , and interdict . While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. // prohibited the sale of liquor

Q: When can 'forbid' be used instead of 'prohibit'?

In some situations, the words forbid and prohibit are roughly equivalent. However, forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected. // smoking is forbidden in the building

Q: When is it sensible to use 'inhibit' instead of 'prohibit'?

The synonyms inhibit and prohibit are sometimes interchangeable, but inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation. // conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

Q: When could 'interdict' be used to replace 'prohibit'?

While the synonyms interdict and prohibit are close in meaning, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. // practices interdicted by the church

prohibit

verb

prō-ˈhi-bət

Definition of prohibit next

as in to forbid

to order not to do or use or to be done or used the city prohibits swimming in the lake after dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb prohibit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prohibit are forbid, inhibit, and interdict. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

When can forbid be used instead of prohibit?

In some situations, the words forbid and prohibit are roughly equivalent. However, forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When is it sensible to use inhibit instead of prohibit?

The synonyms inhibit and prohibit are sometimes interchangeable, but inhibit implies restraints or restrictions that amount to prohibitions, not only by authority but also by the exigencies of the time or situation.

conditions inhibiting the growth of free trade

When could interdict be used to replace prohibit?

While the synonyms interdict and prohibit are close in meaning, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of prohibit Among other requirements, contestants and broadcasters are prohibited from taking part in promotional campaigns by third parties including governments. —

Chloe Veltman, NPR, 16 May 2026 Residents are prohibited from certain discretionary water uses. —

Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026 Along with prohibiting redistricting to favor a political party, the Fair Districts Amendment also prohibits lawmakers from drawing maps that diminish minority voting power. —

Miami Herald, 15 May 2026 These sponsorships, which are not unlike the one-off patch deals seen at tennis’ Grand Slam events, were not allowed in horse racing until 2004, when a federal court judge ruled in favor of a group of jockeys who had been prohibited from wearing corporate and union logos at the Kentucky Derby. —

Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

The owner of the horses was charged with allowing livestock to run at-large forbidden, a misdemeanor.

— Jeff A. Chamer May 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
The heavy context makes Marseille a particularly forbidding environment for young players, which Ethan Nwaneri has discovered to his cost since arriving on loan from Arsenal in January.

— Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026