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.
More parents are also opening up brokerage accounts for their children to invest, including new teen accounts that allow kids ages 13 to 17 to trade without parental approval, MarketWatch recently reported.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026
Not true — the Pew Research Center found 32 countries that have standards just like ours, while at least 50 others allow people born within their borders to become citizens if they meet certain criteria.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
Regulatory shortcuts exist that would allow the FDA to skip the more laborious approval process.
From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026
This would allow the probe to reduce its speed enough to remain in orbit, rather than simply flying past.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
“He wrote a letter of support for Alex before he went, and”—she paused here, feeling her baby kick with what felt like urgency—“if Maya-Jade and her family allow it, he can come back to work.”
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
