Definition of prohibitnext

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 Rowling previously celebrated UK‘s Supreme Court ruling that prohibits trans women from being legally recognized as women. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026 Formal uniforms would be required; cargo pants strictly prohibited. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 Level Up also received $51,500 in contributions from corporate entities that are prohibited from giving directly to candidates for federal office. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026 The most notable difference is that the Senate version explicitly allows local governments to prohibit the use of ADUs as short-term rentals — those shorter than one month — while the House bill doesn’t. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit
Verb
  • Many private schools have gone further, pressuring parents to forbid the apps at all until a certain age and to tightly control use thereafter.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Looking down on the airfield below, I was struck by the forbidding topography.
    Ken Harbaugh, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sign language was banned in many Deaf schools, and children were required to attempt to speak and read lips.
    Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In the wake of that incident — and a similar one involving then-Iowa women’s star Caitlin Clark the same week — there was debate around the sport about whether court storms needed to be banned moving forward, lest players be injured during them.
    Brendan Marks, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is facing intense criticism over its failure to swiftly outlaw Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Even in the North, these people, formerly enslaved, were not necessarily free, even if slavery was outlawed.
    Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibit. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prohibit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!