disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
disallowed; disallowing; disallows
Synonyms of disallownext

transitive verb

1
: to deny the force, truth, or validity of
2
: to refuse to allow
disallowance
ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s How to pronounce disallow (audio)
noun

Synonyms of disallow

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Examples of disallow in a Sentence

The touchdown was disallowed because of a penalty. disallowing the philosophical concept of free will
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The team looked more attacking and dangerous, but a superb goal disallowed for Espi and an Mbappe penalty saved – which was not retaken – prevented Los Blancos from picking up any points. — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Trump has sought to have the center feature his own name on its facade, even after a federal judge disallowed him from using his authority to ensure that this would happen. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Argentina started the second half strongly and Piscatelli twice went close to scoring, his second attempt disallowed for a forward pass. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Not to mention, few studios have purchased cinemas even after the Department of Justice rescinded the 1948 Paramount Consent Decrees, which previously disallowed studios from owning movie theater chains. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disallow

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disallow was in the 15th century

Rhymes for disallow

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Browse Nearby Words

dis aliter visum
disallow
disallowance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disallow. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disallow

verb
dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
: to refuse to admit or allow : reject
disallow a claim
disallowance
-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s How to pronounce disallow (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb
dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
1
: to deny the truth, force, or validity of
disallowed the deduction
disallow a bankruptcy claim
2
: to refuse to allow
disallow payment of benefits
disallowance noun
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