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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Under Fort Worth’s noise ordinance, bullhorns and other amplification devices are prohibited in public places, with the exception of use by public safety officials or by someone with an outdoor event permit. —

Emily Holshouser july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 Trump slashed access to healthcare benefits and prohibited deferred action holders from obtaining or using commercial driver’s licenses. —

Lauren Villagran, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 The law, passed in 2024, prohibits K-12 public schools from using any derogatory Native American term for athletic team mascots, names or nicknames. —

Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 Flying over urban areas is generally prohibited under China’s civil aviation laws. —

Reuters, NBC news, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

Anyone attempting to think seriously about Elon Musk is confronted with a forbidding cognitive dissonance.

— Mark O’Connell, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Entertainment Weekly has learned that at least one NYC restaurant that provided catering to the wedding was forbidden from discussing its involvement in the event due to an NDA.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026

Definition of forbid

Verb

A number of Russian regions have banned the use of large canisters that hold around five gallons to prevent fuel hoarding.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Twenty-seven states currently have laws banning trans girls and women from participating against cisgender women and girls.

— Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of ban

Verb

Or even just 62 years to the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed segregation.

— Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026
The ordinance that restricts yoga instruction at city parks does not outlaw teaching other subjects including tai chi and Shakespeare, the city has conceded in court proceedings.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026