Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

allow

[uh-lou] / əˈlaʊ /




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.

“When attorneys extend their practice into jurisdictions where they are not licensed or allow staff to engage in unauthorized legal work in those jurisdictions, they put clients at risk.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Nikki is nothing more than her pain and deterioration because Barker doesn’t allow us any other prolonged glimpses of Nikki or her life after Bear makes his wish.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

ECB President Christine Lagarde speaks Thursday but the rules don’t allow her to touch on monetary policy, KBC Bank analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

But my brief also looked at ways employers and employees could manipulate pay to allow more “overtime” hours without a change in actual hours worked.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

“Chameleons have these cells that allow them to change color...so is that what you were...ah...”

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste




Vocabulary lists containing allow


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "allow" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com