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.
Samples from athletes are kept for 10 years to allow for retrospective testing when new techniques emerge.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
Starship is designed to store and transfer fuel while in space, which could allow spacecraft to travel faster than systems that must carry all their fuel from launch.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
One of his more intriguing ideas is to allow companies greater flexibility to hire new employees on contracts that make them easier to fire.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
The service, dubbed SoFi Big Business Banking, will allow enterprise customers to hold deposits, transfer funds, and settle transactions within SoFi’s nationally chartered bank.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
Mr. Pinkerton’s business was like a theater show, with a red velvet curtain draped in a corner to allow folks to change into their disguises.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
