INTERDICT Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of interdict are forbid , inhibit , and prohibit . While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. // practices interdicted by the church

Q: When is 'forbid' a more appropriate choice than 'interdict'?

While in some cases nearly identical to interdict , 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 'interdict'?

Although the words inhibit and interdict have much in common, 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: In what contexts can 'prohibit' take the place of 'interdict'?

In some situations, the words prohibit and interdict are roughly equivalent. However, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. // prohibited the sale of liquor

interdict 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-tər-ˌdikt

Definition of interdict

as in prohibition

an order that something not be done or used the church's controversial interdict against the use of birth control devices

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interdict

2 of 2

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈdikt

as in to prohibit

to order not to do or use or to be done or used the state legislature moved to interdict the use of radar-detection devices by motorists

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to intercept

to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course federal agents are able to interdict only a small percentage of the narcotic shipments into the country

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How does the verb interdict differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of interdict are forbid, inhibit, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When is forbid a more appropriate choice than interdict?

While in some cases nearly identical to interdict, 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 interdict?

Although the words inhibit and interdict have much in common, 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

In what contexts can prohibit take the place of interdict?

In some situations, the words prohibit and interdict are roughly equivalent. However, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations.

prohibited the sale of liquor

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 interdict

Noun

The police dogs and their handlers also put on 59 public displays and demonstrations for groups throughout Lake County, and the dogs did eight sweeps at schools to help ensure safety and interdict drug use. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 There are no restraining orders, injunctions or interdicts anywhere. — Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 9 May 2024

Verb

Their job was to board the trains going from Germany to Austria at random to interdict drugs, illicit money, and criminals. — Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 On April 17, CBP’s San Diego Marine Unit crews interdicted a 24-foot boat near San Clemente Island. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interdict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for interdict

Noun

Historically, politicians have kept a firewall between church and state to keep from crossing the First Amendment’s prohibition on a national religion or government restrictions that interfere with an individual’s expression of faith.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
These young people have defied prohibitions on protest, breached draconian security clampdowns, and endured detentions to relentlessly question the government’s authority.

— Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of prohibition

Verb

Federal law prohibits the commercial sale of unapproved drugs, but that hasn't stopped vendors from selling imitation versions of the experimental drug online at a scale with no modern precedent.

— Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Believe it or not, the license prohibits that in the Beach Boys.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of prohibit

Verb

Officers at Indianapolis’ express consignment facility also intercepted 96 counterfeit watches bearing Swatch, Audemars Piguet and Rolex trademarks on July 30.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Maryland's elections board was targeted in a suspicious mailing intercepted by law enforcement, as the FBI investigates letters sent to election officials and congressional offices nationwide.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of intercept

Noun

Target agreed to a $5 million settlement and a ban on using geofencing technology to increase prices.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
The ban had been imposed by the central elections committee, a political body dominated by Netanyahu allies, on the basis that the parties supported armed struggle against Israel.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of ban

Verb

Reservoirs have already fallen perilously low -- with one lake so dry this year that a small town nearby let its Little League field go dry and temporarily forbade residents from washing cars or watering lawns.

— Hannah Knowles The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
The political math is forbidding for Kozycki, even as Republicans nationwide scramble to defend once-friendly territory.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of forbid

Verb

Using the history of gay male desire in different time periods — dangerous, clandestine, outlawed and at long last fitfully accepted — the film examines legacy and what gets handed down across time.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
None of the other states that have passed constitutional amendments protecting the ability to hunt and fish have had specific hunting methods outlawed by the voters, as Colorado has.

— Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of outlaw

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intercrosses

interdict

interdicted

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“Interdict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interdict. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of interdict

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