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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.

Making the World Cup team will help in that effort by significantly raising Paintsil’s profile, which could open the door to more funding and allow him to expand the project.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

In 2018, authorities demanded that Zion install around two dozen surveillance cameras to allow them to track the church’s activities.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

A New York judge will allow a gun and writings found in Luigi Mangione's backpack after his 2024 arrest to be presented at his state murder trial, but has ruled that other items are inadmissible.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The hidden number inside the envelope would finally allow him to decode his team's results.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

Now if we ever come across a human, we pretend we’re going to eat them and then we allow them to escape, so they can tell everyone how they were nearly eaten by trolls.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff




Vocabulary lists containing allow


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