1
as in to permit
to give permission for or to approve of
flash photography is not allowed inside the church
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to let
to give permission to
a boarding school that does not allow students to go on weekend trips without written permission
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to tolerate
to fail to prevent (some behavior on someone's part) especially from neglect or indifference
only a lazy gardener would allow the weeds to grow that high
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to admit
to accept the truth or existence of (something) usually reluctantly
I'll allow I probably said more than I should have
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to allot
to give as a share or portion
allowed each camper one match to light his fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to enable
to make able or possible
a patient's canceled appointment allowed the doctor to squeeze in a few extra phone calls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to reflect
to make a statement of one's opinion
he allowed that their new house looked very nice
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in to think
chiefly Southern & Midland
to have as an opinion
people in these parts allow that everyone is entitled to one mistake in life, even if it's a doozy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in to intend
chiefly Southern & Midland
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I allow to go hunting before the season is over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of allow
Part of the dome will have large sliding doors, which will remain closed during the day and open at night, allowing the telescope to survey the sky.
—
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 Jan. 2025
These absences contributed to a defense that allowed over 30 points in four of its last six games, and Saturday was no exception, with the Lions forcing just one punt and allowing 481 net yards of offense.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
The report found that the dentistry school’s implementation of a profit-sharing program that allows some health science faculty to receive additional compensation violated university policy because it was funded by student fees, rather than the clinic’s income from professional services.
—Alexis Timko, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
The Dolphins defense quietly put together an impressive season, finishing in the top 10 in total yards and points allowed.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for allow 
Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 Jan. 2025
These absences contributed to a defense that allowed over 30 points in four of its last six games, and Saturday was no exception, with the Lions forcing just one punt and allowing 481 net yards of offense.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
The report found that the dentistry school’s implementation of a profit-sharing program that allows some health science faculty to receive additional compensation violated university policy because it was funded by student fees, rather than the clinic’s income from professional services.
—Alexis Timko, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
The Dolphins defense quietly put together an impressive season, finishing in the top 10 in total yards and points allowed.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for allow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allow
Verb
-
At the same time, then-President Joe Biden eased American sanctions on Syria, allowing humanitarian groups to operate in the country and permitting energy sales.—
Warren P. Strobel,
arkansasonline.com,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Millions of them file tax returns every year, paying for benefits they're not permitted to use.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Robert Pattinson isn't letting the haters get under his (sparkly) skin.—
Edward Segarra,
USA TODAY,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Before the 2024 start, the Giants let Barkley walk to free agency, much to the chagrin of Giants fans.—
Ryan Gaydos,
Fox News,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
That year, the award went to Chris Pronger of the St. Louis Blues at the height of the Dead Puck Era, when obstruction was tolerated and scoring was at a premium.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
-
This snapdragon reaches about 20 inches in height with semi-double 1 to 1 ½ inch blooms produces all season long and able to tolerate light frosts.—
Dawn Pettinelli,
Hartford Courant,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Among those who pleaded guilty, 172 admitted assaulting law enforcement, 130 admitted obstructing law enforcement during a riot and 69 admitted assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous or deadly weapon.—
Bart Jansen,
USA TODAY,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Even in reaching past settlements over the years, News UK has never admitted culpability for criminal activity by The Sun.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Many states allot the lottery money to their general revenue funds to be used as discretionary spending.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA TODAY,
11 Jan. 2025
-
Little Startup Help: The state allotted $100 million for new facilities, but it’s only gone to eight places.—
ProPublica,
ProPublica,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This change enabled her to view her development as planned and targeted. 2.—
Tinna Jackson,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
-
In 2017, rocketing demand enabled the Rwanda Development Board to double the price of their daily gorilla-tracking permit to a hefty $1,500 to generate more revenue for conservation.—
Alexandra Owens,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
When a planet retrogrades, its energy is turned inward which, in turn, encourages us to reflect on our personal lives.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Disco balls reflected light from the yellow neon display where Questlove performed for the entire event.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
And does the new Bears coach think Poles can fix the gaps in free agency and the draft? Johnson will have much to share about his plans in the days ahead.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Scientists think the jets are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Allow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allow. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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