disallow

1 of 2

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

disallowance

2 of 2

noun

dis·​allowance "+ How to pronounce disallowance (audio)
: the act of disallowing : refusal to admit or permit : rejection
the taxpayer was notified of the disallowance of his claim for refund

Synonyms of disallow

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Verb

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Examples of disallow in a Sentence

Verb 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.
Verb
The boxes come streaming down the belt and disallow this comradery’s lasting forever. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 But a video review ruled that Waldemar Anton has pushed Gill to the ground before the shot and the goal was disallowed. — Kyle Hightower, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 But a video review ruled that Waldemar Anton had pushed Gill to the ground before the shot, and the goal was disallowed. — Kyle Hightower, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Jayed ruled that Waldermar Anton collided with the keeper while the ball was airborne, disallowing the goal. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disallow

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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 8 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on disallow

Nglish: Translation of disallow for Spanish Speakers

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