100+ Synonyms for "Allow" with Examples | Another Word for “Allow” • 7ESL

Exploring the different ways to express permission, authorization, and consent, we often seek out synonyms for “allow.” From everyday conversation to formal writing, having a variety of expressions at our disposal enriches our language and communication. Understanding synonyms for “allow” can enhance our descriptive capabilities and help us convey nuances in tone and context.

Allow Synonyms

What Is “Allow”?

“Allow” is a versatile verb that we often use to express permission or enablement. Whether we’re giving someone the green light for an action or acknowledging that certain conditions are permissible, “allow” is a common choice in our conversations and writings.

List of Synonyms for Allow

Permit
Authorize
Enable
Empower
Entitle
Grant
License
Sanction
Approve
Consent
Endorse
Assent
Accredit
Concede
Agree
Acknowledge
Accept
Admit
Let
Afford
Yield
Suffer
Tolerate
Countenance
Indulge
Give permission
Give the nod
Give the green light
Give the go-ahead
Give the thumbs up
Ratify
Validate
Confirm
Clear
Pass
Warrant
Certify
Qualify
Commission
Leave
Greenlight
Bless
Support
Back
Uphold
Advocate
Champion
Favor
Accede
Concur
Comply
Abide
Heed
Observe
Follow
Conform to
Subscribe to
Go along with
Stand for
Bear
Stand
Swallow
Abet
Cooperate with
Go with
Bow to
Capitulate to
Acquiesce to
Conform with
Fall in with
Harmonize with
Meet
Say yes to
Second
Espouse
Embrace
Welcome
Receive
Take
Take kindly to
Humor
Cater to
Provide for
Make possible
Make way for
Open the door to
Lay the groundwork for
Pave the way for
Prepare the way for
Set the stage for
Be open to
Be supportive of
Not mind
Not object to
Turn a blind eye to
Give carte blanche
Give one’s blessing to
Give consent to
Give one’s assent to
Give approval to
Give the OK to
Give leave to
Give the seal of approval to
Give the stamp of approval to
Let pass
Let go
Let someone have
Let through
Let by
Let off
Let up on
Not prevent
Not prohibit
Not interfere with
Not hinder

Types of Synonyms for Allow

Formal Synonyms

These are often found in legal, academic, or professional contexts.

Authorize
Sanction
Permit
Consent to
License

Informal Synonyms

These are more casual and typically used in everyday conversation.

Let
Okay
Green-light

Synonyms Denoting Reluctance

Sometimes, the permission is given begrudgingly or hesitantly.

Tolerate
Suffer
Stand for

Inclusive Synonyms

These indicate a more welcoming or inclusive permission.

Welcome
Invite
Include

Common Synonyms for Allow

Allow vs. Permit

“Allow” and “permit” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. Allow suggests a more passive permission, whereas permit implies formal or official consent.

Please allow me to explain the situation before jumping to conclusions.
The city council permits street performances in designated areas.

Allow vs. Let

“Let” is more informal and personal compared to “allow,” which can come off as more formal. Let generally involves less authority or control.

My mom let me borrow her car for the weekend, which was really nice of her.
The rules allow each team to have five substitutes on the bench.

Allow vs. Authorize

“Authorize” carries a weight of official or legal power, often used in professional or formal situations, whereas “allow” is more general. Authorize usually means that there is a right or power backing the permission.

While the park allows picnicking, you must be authorized by the city to host a large event there.
Our management must authorize any expenditures over $500.

Allow vs. Enable

“Enable” differs from “allow” in that it not only gives permission but also provides the means or ability to do something. Enable is action-oriented, often implying facilitation rather than passive consent.

The museum allows photography without flash.
Installing a ramp enables wheelchair users to access the building easily.

Synonyms for Allow in Different Contexts

Formal Settings

In professional or formal circumstances, we tend to use more refined language. Here are some synonyms for “allow” that fit these settings:

Authorize: We authorize you to access the confidential files.
Permit: The regulations permit us to proceed with the construction.

Informal Contexts

When we’re in casual settings, our language naturally becomes more relaxed. Below are synonyms suitable for such situations:

Let: Just let us know if you need more time.
Allow: We allow pets in our establishment.

Educational Environments

Educational contexts often need clear and specific language. Consider these synonyms:

Approve: Our professor will approve the extension of our project deadline.
Sanction: The institution may sanction the use of calculators during exams.

Legal and Official Use

In legal or official documents, precise terms are essential. These synonyms are commonly used:

Grant: We grant you permission to represent us in court.
Endorse: The committee will endorse the new safety policy.

Supportive or Reluctant Permission

Sometimes, we grant permission supportively or with hesitance. Here are synonyms for these tones:

Condone (Supportive): By turning a blind eye, the authorities seemed to condone the behavior of the rowdy tourists.
Tolerate (Reluctant): The old machine still works, but it only tolerates a light workload.

Absolute and Near Synonyms of Allow

Absolute Synonyms for Allow

Word	Meaning
Permit	To give authorization or consent for something to happen.
Authorize	To formally give power or right to do something.
Sanction	To formally approve and encourage an action or practice.
Consent	To agree to something or give permission.
Approve	To officially agree to or accept as satisfactory.

Near Synonyms for Allow

Word	Meaning
Acquiesce	To accept something reluctantly but without protest.
Tolerate	To allow something to occur or continue without interference or objection.
Endorse	To declare one’s public approval or support of something.
Condone	To accept and allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive.
Acknowledge	To recognize the existence, truth, or fact of something.

Synonyms for Allow with Examples | Infographic

Frequently Asked Questions

What are other words similar to ‘allow’?

“Authorize”, “enable”, and “permit” are some commonly used words that share a similar meaning to ‘allow’, indicating the act of granting permission or making something possible.

Can you provide formal alternatives to the word ‘allow’?

Formal alternatives include “sanction” and “authorize”. These terms are especially appropriate in legal, official, or formal business contexts.

What are some synonyms for ‘let’?

Synonyms for ‘let’ include “permit”, “enable”, and “allow”. These words convey granting someone the freedom or ability to do something.

What is a more formal synonym for ‘permit’?

“Authorize” is a more formal synonym for ‘permit’. It carries a sense of official approval or formal consent.

What term describes the act of letting something proceed?

The term “facilitate” can be used to describe the act of making an action or process easy or easier, thereby letting something proceed smoothly.

What’s an alternative expression for being given permission?

Being given permission can be alternatively expressed as “receiving clearance” or “being granted consent”, often used in official or semi-official contexts.

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