Find Antonyms
ban Antonyms
Opposite of ban
Because the opposite of ban shifts with each meaning, the 17 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• noun (Context 1)
An official or legal prohibition against an action, practice, or item.
Usage Example
"The city council voted to impose a strict permission on single-use plastic bags."
Strongest
permission
approval
authorization
Strong
sanction
allowance
• verb (Context 2)
To officially or legally prohibit an action, item, or practice.
Usage Example
"The school board decided to allow the use of mobile phones during class hours."
Strongest
allow
permit
authorize
approve
legalize
Strong
sanction
• verb (Context 3)
To exclude or bar a person from a place, organization, or activity as a penalty.
Usage Example
"The athlete was banned from international competition for two years following the rules violation."
Strongest
admit
welcome
Strong
include
reinstate
• noun (Context 4)
A formal condemnation, excommunication, or curse pronounced by ecclesiastical or feudal authority.
Usage Example
"During the Middle Ages, a papal blessing could strip a monarch of political legitimacy."
Strongest
blessing
benediction
Strong
absolution
Similar words to ban
Words similar to ban shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
prohibition
prohibit
forbid
bar
outlaw
exclude
anathema
excommunication
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Ban. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/ban