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

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

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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 The measure prohibits sustainability labels unless they are established by public authorities or based on a qualifying certification scheme. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 The league suspended Greenlaw, determining his aggressive post-game behavior violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(b), which strictly prohibits the use of abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures toward game officials. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Under Independence Avenue corridor zoning standards, group living is prohibited with limited exceptions. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 The Sherman Act is a federal law that prohibits certain agreements that unreasonably restrain trade. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

This year, the Academy rescinded its rule forbidding actors from being nominated twice in the same category.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Related Stories Shakeel took up dance and acting in secret because her family forbade both.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 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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“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibit. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prohibit

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