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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.

Unlike traditional or Roth IRAs, SEPs do not allow catch-up contributions for people age 50 or older like your good self.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Not true — the Pew Research Center found 32 countries that have standards just like ours, while at least 50 others allow people born within their borders to become citizens if they meet certain criteria.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Regulatory shortcuts exist that would allow the FDA to skip the more laborious approval process.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Daleep Singh, chief global economist at PGIM, said a face-saving cease-fire would allow oil to retreat toward $80 to $100 a barrel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Unlike us, Mayhem used pieced-together equipment that often didn’t allow them to time travel with the precision that we did, and, of course, they didn’t have Chaos Cuffs.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin