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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.

Friedman, in his latest order, said that the Defense Department must permit the Times' journalists and "all regulated parties" access to the Pentagon.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

One grid-connection permit that would take months in normal times arrived in days, Agrawal said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Planning new projects in ways that avoid harm to wildlife and include proactive conservation plans can avoid lawsuits, permit delays, reputational risks and increased costs.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Last week, the California Coastkeeper Alliance filed a petition asking the State Water Resources Control Board to throw out the facility’s water discharge permit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

They were the defenders of the faith of Christ, of the principle of authority, and were not prepared to permit the country to be broken down into autonomous entities.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez




Vocabulary lists containing permit