FORBID Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of forbid are inhibit , interdict , and prohibit . While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected. // smoking is forbidden in the building

Q: When would 'inhibit' be a good substitute for 'forbid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to forbid , 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 'interdict' take the place of 'forbid'?

Although the words interdict and forbid have much in common, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose. // practices interdicted by the church

Q: When could 'prohibit' be used to replace 'forbid'?

While the synonyms prohibit and forbid are close in meaning, prohibit suggests the issuing of laws, statutes, or regulations. // prohibited the sale of liquor

forbid

verb

fər-ˈbid

Definition of forbid

as in to prohibit

to order not to do or use or to be done or used smoking is forbidden throughout the building we forbid you to see him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forbid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of forbid are inhibit, interdict, and prohibit. While all these words mean "to debar one from doing something or to order that something not be done," forbid implies that the order is from one in authority and that obedience is expected.

smoking is forbidden in the building

When would inhibit be a good substitute for forbid?

While in some cases nearly identical to forbid, 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 interdict take the place of forbid?

Although the words interdict and forbid have much in common, interdict implies prohibition by civil or ecclesiastical authority usually for a given time or a declared purpose.

practices interdicted by the church

When could prohibit be used to replace forbid?

While the synonyms prohibit and forbid are close in meaning, 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 forbid He was born into enslavement in Edgefield District, South Carolina, bound by laws that forbade Black literacy. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 In the Muslim tradition, a judge is forbidden from making a ruling when angry because it is understood that justice cannot come from rage. — Casper Ter Kuile, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for forbid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forbid

Verb

The curfew prohibits anyone from entering or remaining on the Place de la République, where rioting took place Saturday, and the shopping neighborhood of Les Halles, which has been subject to looting.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
If admiration and support for female athletes drive support for prohibiting transgender women from participating in women’s sports, then those who favor Title IX should also favor bans.

— Jesse Rhodes, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of prohibit

Verb

Now all ordinary cars, buses, taxis, private vehicles, (e-)bikes, scooters and pedicabs will be banned between Selfridges and Ikea by Great Portland Street.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026
Items listed from employee or family and friends sales are sometimes removed, but those sellers will not be banned from the platform.

— Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ban

Verb

But Fidian’s job — and that of hundreds of other drivers, medallion owners and stable hands — is expected to be wiped out Thursday as the City Council is expected to outlaw the industry amid growing concerns over safety.

— Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
For example, the City Council passed a bill in 2019 to outlaw the sale of foie gras within city limits.

— Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of outlaw

Browse Nearby Words

forbears

forbid

forbiddance

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Forbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forbid. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of forbid

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes