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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.

The Orange County district attorney’s office had originally charged Jennings in connection to the shooting but dismissed the case to allow for the federal case to proceed, according to the Justice Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

"These coupled vibrations allow energy to move more freely and efficiently across the gap."

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

He stressed it was important Nowak's family be able to scrutinise the events of that night and participate in any proceedings and an inquest would allow such scrutiny - for them and the public.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

“Please allow extra time to get to the game and avoid the area around MSG if you don’t have a reason to be there.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

It opened just a few inches to allow a single blue eye to survey me up and down.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan




Vocabulary lists containing allow


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