Find Antonyms

permissive Antonyms

Opposite of permissive

Because the opposite of permissive shifts with each meaning, the 13 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behavior, especially in social, moral, or disciplinary matters.

Usage Example

"The psychologist noted that overly strict parenting often leaves children without clear boundaries."

Strongest
strict
authoritarian
restrictive
Strong
intolerant
repressive
rigorous
draconian

• adjective (Context 2)

Granting permission or leaving a course of action optional rather than mandatory (especially in law, governance, or computing).

Usage Example

"The statute contains a mandatory clause that allows local municipalities to adopt their own zoning standards."

Strongest
mandatory
compulsory
obligatory
prohibitive
Strong
imperative
binding

Similar words to permissive

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

lenient
tolerant
discretionary
optional
indulgent
liberal
easygoing
elective
See all synonyms of permissive

• Nearby Words

permissible
permissibly
permission
permissive
permissively
permissiveness
permit

Cite this Entry

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