Useful opposites to “Permit” include “Prohibit”, “Forbid”, “Ban”, along with 10 other options below. Because “Permit” may have more than one sense, the most accurate antonym is the one that reverses the meaning intended in the sentence.
Which Antonym for “Permit” Fits Best?
Permit means to allow an action, entry, use, or request. The quick list gives all 13 choices first; the notes below explain what each term contributes.
- Prohibit
- Forbid
- Ban
- Disallow
- Deny
- Refuse
- Prevent
- Block
- Restrict
- Bar
- Interdict
- Veto
- Proscribe
Prohibit
“Prohibit” means formally stopping an action from being allowed. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Permit” entry, the final draft used “Prohibit” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Forbid
“Forbid” is a direct everyday opposite meaning to tell someone they may not do something. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: For the “Permit” comparison, the editor selected “Forbid” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Ban
“Ban” typically refers to an official or legal prohibition. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Permit” guide, “Ban” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Disallow
“Disallow” means explicitly refusing to allow an action, use, or entry. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: While revising the “Permit” example, the writer chose “Disallow” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Deny
“Deny” can mean refusing a request or permission. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Permit” entry, the final draft used “Deny” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Refuse
“Refuse” describes withholding consent after a request is made. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: For the “Permit” comparison, the editor selected “Refuse” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Prevent
“Prevent” means stopping something before it can happen. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Permit” guide, “Prevent” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Block
“Block” means physically or procedurally stopping access or progress. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: While revising the “Permit” example, the writer chose “Block” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Restrict
“Restrict” allows something only within tighter limits rather than freely. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Permit” entry, the final draft used “Restrict” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Bar
“Bar” means excluding someone or something from entry or participation. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: For the “Permit” comparison, the editor selected “Bar” because the surrounding sentence supported that specific meaning.
Interdict
“Interdict” is a formal term for officially forbidding an action. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Permit” guide, “Interdict” was retained because it matched the context precisely.
Veto
“Veto” means rejecting or overruling a proposal or authorization. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: While revising the “Permit” example, the writer chose “Veto” once the tone and meaning of the sentence were clear.
Proscribe
“Proscribe” is a formal legal term meaning to prohibit. In that sense, it provides a clear counterpoint to “Permit” without implying that it is the opposite in every possible use.
Example: In the “Permit” entry, the final draft used “Proscribe” after the writer checked that this was the intended sense.
Choosing the Right Antonym for “Permit”
An antonym only works when it reverses the relevant sense of “Permit”. Identify that sense first, then choose the term that opposes the same quality, action, or state.