permissive

adjective

Definition of permissivenext
as in flexible
often disapproving giving people a lot of freedom or too much freedom to do what they want to do permissive parents Some states have more permissive laws than others.

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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 permissive That means taking a more permissive attitude toward domestic oil and gas drilling — made more urgent by the US-Iran war — while continuing to support the rapid buildout of renewables. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 21 July 2026 What Business Leaders Need To Know Now For businesses that have spent years building around hemp, the debate has become less about permissive regulation and more about predictability. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The road-going T70S GT might be a little harder to squeeze through US regulations than the UK’s more permissive approach to small-volume manufacturers. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026 The counties that perform best are not the ones with the most permissive political environments or the most gun violence. — Christopher Carita, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for permissive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permissive
  1. flexible
  2. informal
  3. lenient
  4. accessible
  5. lax
Adjective
  • Researchers developed the flexible material from cotton pulp cellulose, turning an abundant renewable material into an electrically conductive hydrogel.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Abu Dhabi is not the Gulf’s biggest energy exporter, but ADNOC has emerged as one of its most flexible — thanks to geography, defense capabilities, and a willingness to take risks.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • His experience impelled him to join an informal yet determined community of researchers, doctors, and patients pushing for extra studies to help patients and doctors find the right dosage for an array of cancer drugs.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Judge Roach reminded both sides that he was not bound by any informal agreement.
    — CBS Texas Staff, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of informal
Adjective
  • The bot’s lenient management decisions, plus a questionable business sense, are surely contributing to its losses.
    — Billy Perrigo, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Since taking office, Hochman has moved to dismiss a number of violent use-of-force cases against police and resolved others with lenient plea deals.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lenient
Adjective
  • Accessibility While there are accessible rooms, the main entrance is not currently wheelchair-friendly, limiting overall accessibility.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Artificial intelligence is making many tasks faster, more efficient and more accessible than ever before.
    — Hao Lam, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of accessible
Adjective
  • Rather than asking American workers to compete against lax environmental standards, the policy rewards innovation, productivity, and cleaner manufacturing.
    — Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Who was lax in announcing that Con Edison would be doing electrical work in the park and there could be danger of live wires?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of lax

Browse Nearby Words

permissions
permissive
permissiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Permissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permissive. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of permissive for Spanish Speakers

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