allow
Usage
What are other ways to say allow?
Allow and permit are often interchangeable as terms that imply granting or conceding the right of someone to do something, but permit is the more positive of the two. Allow implies complete absence of an attempt, or even an intent, to hinder. Permit suggests formal or implied assent or authorization. Let is the familiar, conversational term for both allow and permit.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fifa has implemented drinks breaks at the midway point in each half for every game in this World Cup to allow players to hydrate.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
Albanian officials have yet to finalize an agreement to allow the group to develop the island of Sazan.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
“The Department will not allow schools to violate federal law without consequence.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
That could allow its current investors to start cashing out even if the refinery never gets built — a milestone many energy industry insiders still view as a long shot.
From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026
But when it came to fishing, the girl had bad luck, and that was something he could not allow, not on his ship, not with a half-empty hold and a crew of men to feed.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
Vocabulary lists containing allow
Beowulf vocabulary
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"The Sporting Spirit"
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Workshop 3, Part 2
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