Find Antonyms

forbid Antonyms

Opposite of forbid

Because the opposite of forbid shifts with each meaning, the 9 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To refuse to allow something, or to order someone not to do something, officially or authoritatively.

Usage Example

"The university strictly forbids students to use electronic devices during final examinations."

Strongest
allow
permit
authorize
sanction
Strong
approve
endorse
encourage

• verb (Context 2)

To make an action or outcome impossible or prevent it from occurring (of a circumstance, condition, or constraint).

Usage Example

"Tightly scheduled work commitments and a limited budget enable any extended travel this summer."

Strongest
enable
allow
permit
facilitate

Similar words to forbid

Words similar to forbid shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

prohibit
ban
preclude
disallow
prevent
outlaw
rule out
proscribe
See all synonyms of forbid

• Nearby Words

foray
forbearing
forbearingly
forbid
forbidding
forbiddingly
force

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Forbid. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/forbid
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