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Definitions

permit

[per-mit, pur-mit, per-mit] / pərˈmɪt, ˈpɜr mɪt, pərˈmɪt /




Usage

What are other ways to say permit?

Both verbs that imply granting or conceding the right of someone to do something, permit and allow are often interchangeable, but permit is the more positive of the two. Permit suggests formal or implied assent or authorization. Allow implies complete absence of an attempt, or even an intent, to hinder. 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.

It does not, for example, permit wall hangings that don’t actually exist.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Now Brussels has updated its rules after the UK's departure, allowing all EU countries to permit non-citrus spreads to be marketed as "marmalade" from June.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

He said Luna has now expedited the case, and he’s hoping to get his building permit in April.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Porter said her top priority is to lower housing costs by “building housing faster, building more housing, changing how we permit housing and innovating in construction and design and materials.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

My father said, “That’s subversion and we don’t permit subversion here.”

From "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier