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.
They deliver powerful bursts of thrust that allow spacecraft to quickly accelerate, decelerate, climb, descend, or change position.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
AI could see a “self-imposed regulation or a slowdown in development” to allow more time to adjust to its implications, though they identify no evidence of broad labor-market disruption from the emerging technology.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
Others move the high pressure away to the east and allow the westerlies from the Atlantic to move back in.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
"We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course," it added.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
“The short answer is, you don’t. Now, allow me to ask you a question, Duane the polar bear. Why would you want to greet a snow-covered hill?”
From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el
Vocabulary lists containing allow
Beowulf vocabulary
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"The Sporting Spirit"
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Workshop 3, Part 2
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