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Definitions

allow

[uh-lou] / əˈlaʊ /
VERB
admit; acknowledge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
grant
STRONG
acquiesce avow concede confess own
WEAK
let on
Antonyms
STRONG
deny disagree disavow disown dispute dissent reject repudiate
WEAK
disallow disapprove forbid hold keep prohibit protest refuse resist withstand
VERB
permit an action
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approve authorize favor oblige recognize release support tolerate
STRONG
accord accredit admit bear brook certify commission consent empower endorse endure indulge let license okay sanction stand suffer warrant
WEAK
be big be game for free up give a blank check give carte blanche give leave give permission give the go-ahead give the green light go along with grant permission hear of hold with live with pass on put up with sit still for take kindly to
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny disallow disapprove oppose refuse reject veto
STRONG
disagree dissent prevent protest repel unauthorize withhold
WEAK
forbid hold keep prohibit resist withstand
VERB
set aside
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assign give grant provide
STRONG
admeasure allocate allot apportion deduct lot remit spare
WEAK
mete
Antonyms
STRONGEST
keep take
STRONG
hold withhold
WEAK
deny disallow disapprove forbid prohibit protest refuse reject resist withstand

Usage

What are other ways to say allow?

Allow and permit are often interchangeable as terms that imply granting or conceding the right of someone to do something, but permit is the more positive of the two. Allow implies complete absence of an attempt, or even an intent, to hinder. Permit suggests formal or implied assent or authorization. Let is the familiar, conversational term for both allow and permit.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Researchers worry that it and other advanced AI tools could allow hackers to unleash widespread disruption via an avalanche of software bugs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Ashton said the "gold standard" would be for schools to only allow "brick" phones, which can be used to call or text but have very limited internet access, and are not a "distraction tool".

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

But shortly after the closing bell, President Donald Trump announced another cease-fire extension to allow the U.S. and Iran more time to come up with a deal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Resolving the standoff would allow Brussels to start paying out the loan in the coming months that Ukraine requires to plug its budget four years into Moscow's invasion.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

He didn’t carry an umbrella, either, because the Saw Whet School didn’t allow them in the hallways or classrooms, which Bat agreed was a wise decision.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

Vocabulary lists containing allow

Beowulf vocabulary

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"The Sporting Spirit"

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Workshop 3, Part 2

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