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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

A local judge reopened the probe into Isak Andic’s death in March last year to allow police more time to gather evidence.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

This type of terrain can allow seawater to move beneath the glacier during high tide, temporarily lifting sections of ice off the ground.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

The fund will consist of a five-member commission, four of those appointed by the Attorney General, and will receive $1.776 billion to allow the justice department to settle and pay cases.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

This new efficiency in the capital markets would allow lower-middle-class Americans to pay lower and lower interest rates on their debts.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis




Vocabulary lists containing allow


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