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Definition of prohibitnext

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 Handshakes, familiar and egalitarian, were prohibited. Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026 Are there any preexisting conditions that would prohibit taking krill oil? Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026 The department’s policy is based off a 2017 state law prohibiting Massachusetts police officers from enforcing civil immigration detainers. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 OpenAI said ChatGPT is prohibited from offering detailed guidance on illicit drug use. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prohibit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prohibit
Verb
  • Grok’s terms of use specifically forbid the sexualization or exploitation of children.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
  • In June 2023, Scott-Miller opened her brick-and-mortar bookstore, Liberation Station, in the downtown section of Raleigh, North Carolina—an intentional selection, because Black people were once forbidden from checking out books in the area’s library.
    Essence, Essence, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • There is a reason that Rice, who first renounced then rejoined her faith, often found her books banned.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Our findings help explain why a growing number of companies have rules restricting or banning relationships across reporting lines.
    Emily Nix, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Some towns outlawed flashing signs years ago in an attempt to modernize their codes and their cities’ appearances.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Many other cities, states, and countries have outlawed the practice, according to the bill analysis.
    Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prohibit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prohibit. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prohibit

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