Find Antonyms
allow Antonyms
Opposite of allow
Because the opposite of allow shifts with each meaning, the 20 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To give permission for someone to do something or for an event to happen; to let or permit.
Usage Example
"The university does not forbid students to use calculators during the introductory calculus examination."
Strongest
forbid
prohibit
ban
disallow
bar
Strong
interdict
outlaw
veto
prevent
• verb (Context 2)
To set aside or allocate a specific amount of time, money, or resources for a particular purpose.
Usage Example
"You should withhold at least forty-five minutes to travel through airport security during peak holiday periods."
Strong
withhold
keep
retain
• verb (Context 3)
To admit or acknowledge that something is true, valid, or reasonable.
Usage Example
"The historian had to deny that the newly discovered letters challenged his earlier thesis."
Strongest
deny
dispute
Strong
refuse
reject
contradict
repudiate
gainsay
contest
Similar words to allow
Words similar to allow shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
permit
admit
let
allocate
acknowledge
concede
allot
grant
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Allow. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/allow