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.
See Examples For:
“The TPI’s remarkably succinct engagement rules are probably sufficiently flexible to allow such intervention in favour of France,” said Gilles Moec, chief economist of AXA Group.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026
“We’re barely getting access to these areas ourselves, but we’re going to allow outside communities to have full access to these places?”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
An ancient woodland, the size of a football pitch, was turned back into coppice management, to allow more light to reach the woodland floor and encourage flowers, insects and birds to thrive.
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026
An alliance of Venezuelan opposition parties on Sunday reaffirmed exiled Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado as its leader, increasing pressure on interim authorities to allow her return.
From Barron's ● Oct. 18, 2026
I’m pretty sure it’s the feeling of my heart breaking as I allow the shield of lies that I wrapped around it, protecting it for so long, to dissolve the rest of the way away.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
![]()
“Social media allows for more voices to be heard, but algorithmically situated based upon someone’s interests where they’re entering into the conversation,” Adams said.
From Salon ● Oct. 19, 2026
Harrogate-based architects Shaw & Jagger said the scheme was eventually passed by HM Planning Inspectorate through the country house clause, which allows development on green belt for buildings of "exceptional quality".
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026
This unusual combination allows altermagnets to support electrical currents with strongly polarized electron spins while also displaying extremely rapid magnetic dynamics.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026
Proponents of AI see it as an antidote to high production costs and say it allows creatives to make films that otherwise would never be made.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
The card allows noncitizens the opportunity to work in the United States, and it also enables them to acquire a Social Security number.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
![]()
Despite the Army’s earlier protestations, the sky didn’t fall when the court was allowed to get involved.
From Slate ● Oct. 19, 2026
More than a century later, he and his daughter Tisanche Warren say they’ve never been allowed back to hold ceremonies.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
For decades, video games have allowed players to build relationships with non-player characters, or NPCs.
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026
Working came naturally, because it allowed “adventure and independence.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
He hadn’t allowed me to so much as cross the threshold since Mrs. Kuen’s visit.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
![]()
But many also blame poor oversight from Birmingham City Council for allowing so many conversions to take place.
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026
Retractable glass doors connect the interior to an outdoor terrace, allowing the living spaces to open directly onto the scenic surroundings.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026
The Saudis have considered turning the event into a hybrid offering, allowing international figures to attend online, according to a person familiar with the matter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
The sticks are legitimate products, but they can also be "sideloaded" with unauthorised software, allowing pirates to mimic the output of legitimate outlets by offering packages of selected channels.
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026
I slow down even more, allowing the gap between us to widen.
From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing allow
Beowulf vocabulary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Sporting Spirit"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Workshop 3, Part 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a word