allow
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
Financial firms such as Fidelity, Vanguard and Charles Schwab said they routinely allow qualified disclaimers, but some sponsors might not.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
To allow himself to speak or cry out would be to attract the spiders again.
From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
