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.
Other common violations include washing cars at home, filling pools and power washing, which are all disallowed. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 According to its June 30, 2026 petition, the IRS disallowed several million dollars in business deductions. — Carolyn Schenck, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Roope Hintz scored in the fourth round of the shootout and the Dallas Stars beat Colorado 3-2 on Wednesday night in a game where the Avalanche had two early goals disallowed. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 Last year, the Rams proposed a rule that would have disallowed the infamous Seattle 2-point try from being successful. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 3 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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