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

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

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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 And there is major momentum in Congress to permanently prohibit the live export of American horses for slaughter abroad. — Wayne Pacelle, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 The media, onlookers, and even students are therefore prohibited from pointing their cameras and smartphones at students’ faces near the school grounds. — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 2026 In New York State courtrooms, cameras are generally prohibited, and the decision has been made to keep the jury anonymous due to the intense interest surrounding the case. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 The Tarrant County decorum policy prohibits personal attacks and impertinent, profane, obscene or slanderous remarks. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit

Verb

The Geneva Conventions, a set of treaties governing the conduct of warring parties, which were ratified in the aftermath of the Second World War, forbid the arbitrary detention of civilians.

— Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Dean had a similar experience in June, according to the press release from Deluzio's office, with the congresswoman being forbidden from speaking with detainees throughout her visit at the facility.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of forbid

Verb

The amendment would also ban gender-affirming care for children, which has not been allowed in the state since 2023.

— Jack Harvel August 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026
There is no statewide law banning dogs from riding in a vehicle, but an unrestrained pet that blocks your view or climbs into your lap can lead to a reckless driving citation.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of ban

Verb

With fracking — which is already outlawed on offshore platforms in California waters, and is widely viewed as an environmentally degrading and often risky process — Gilda’s production would jump to about 4,000 barrels a day.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026
Denver has also considered outlawing natural gas in homes after implementing new restrictions on its use in commercial buildings.

— Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of outlaw

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“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibit. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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