permit
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.
“Los Angeles has been approving permits three times faster than it was before the fire. However, permit issuance continues to lag.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
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
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
Luther Rice never allowed it, but in two cases where the couples already had mailed invitations, he did permit weddings in his office.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
