31 Synonyms for Allow | Another Word for Allow (With Examples)

You know how sometimes you want to say “allow” but want to sound a little different? Maybe you want to say “permit” or “let” instead. Using different words makes your talk or writing more fun and interesting. In this post, I will share many simple words that mean the same as “allow.” You will see easy examples and learn how to use them every day.

1. Permit

Permit means to give someone the chance or right to do something. It is like saying yes when someone asks for permission. “The teacher permits us to use calculators in class.” It is a formal way to allow things to happen. You might see permits for parking or building houses. When you permit something, you agree to it and let it happen. It is a clear and polite word that works well for many situations where permission is needed.

2. Authorize

Authorize means to give official permission for something to be done. Usually, a person with power or a boss authorizes actions. “The manager authorized the new employee to access the files.” When you authorize, you give someone the right to do something, often in rules or laws. This word sounds formal and is used in offices or governments. It shows that someone with the right power says yes. You can trust that authorized things are safe and allowed.

3. Enable

Enable means to make it possible for someone to do something. It is about giving the tools or power to act. “The new software enables users to work faster.” When you enable something, you do not just say yes—you help it happen. It can mean giving skills, tools, or chances. This word is good when talking about technology, help, or abilities. Enabling means opening a way for someone to do what they want or need.

4. Empower

Empower means to give someone the power or confidence to do something. It is more than just allowing—it helps people feel strong and able. “The teacher empowered her students to speak in public.” When you empower someone, you help them believe in themselves and give them control. This word is used a lot in business and self-help. Empowering means giving permission and also support so people can act well on their own.

5. Grant

Grant means to officially give permission or something requested. It is often used in formal situations. “The city granted permission to build a new park.” When you grant, you agree to give something, like a wish or request. This word sounds polite and important. Grants can be money, rights, or permissions. It shows a clear yes from someone with power or authority, and it is a strong way to say allow.

6. Let

Let is a simple and casual word that means to allow or not stop something. It is very common in speaking. “My parents let me stay out late on weekends.” Let is easy and friendly, used every day in many situations. It can mean permission or simply not stopping someone from doing something. When you say “let,” it feels relaxed and natural. It is the perfect word to use with friends or family when you allow things.

7. Consent

Consent means to agree or give permission after thinking about it. It shows that someone says yes clearly and freely. “She consented to join the team after reading all the rules.” This word is often used in serious or legal situations. Giving consent means understanding and agreeing, not just saying yes quickly. It is an important word to show respect and agreement. When you consent, you allow something in a thoughtful and clear way.

8. Approve

Approve means to officially say yes or agree to something after checking it. “The boss approved the new budget for the project.” When you approve, you accept a plan, idea, or action. It often comes after careful thought or review. Approving is more formal and shows trust or agreement. This word is good for work, school, or formal talks. When you approve, you allow something because you think it is good or correct.

9. Sanction

Sanction means to give official permission or support to do something. It can also mean a punishment, but here it means allow. “The government sanctioned the event to take place in the city.” Sanction is formal and used in rules, laws, or big decisions. It shows that something is allowed by a strong power. This word helps describe official yes answers or approvals. It is good for serious or important permissions.

10. Facilitate

Facilitate means to make something easier or possible to happen. It is like helping or allowing something by making it simple. “The teacher facilitated group work by giving clear instructions.” When you facilitate, you allow and help at the same time. It is used when making tasks smooth or easy. Facilitate is a polite and helpful word. It shows that you support and allow things to happen without problems.

11. Entitle

Entitle means to give someone the right or claim to have or do something. “Employees are entitled to take breaks during their shift.” When you entitle, you allow by giving legal or fair rights. It shows that someone has permission because of rules or promises. This word is good for rights, benefits, or rewards. Entitlement means a clear, official way to allow something that belongs to someone.

12. Accord

Accord means to give or allow something, often respect or rights, usually in a formal way. “The country was accorded independence after years of struggle.” When you accord, you give permission or respect officially. It is a polite and formal word. Accord can also mean agreement or harmony. In allowing, it shows a respectful yes. This word is great for official and serious permissions or honors.

13. License

License means to give official permission, often in writing, to do something. “She was licensed to drive a car after passing the test.” When you license, you allow someone by giving a legal paper or document. It is common for driving, business, or fishing. A license shows you can do something because you are allowed by law or rules. It is a formal way to say yes and give permission.

14. Admit

Admit means to allow someone to enter or join a place or group. “The school admitted new students for the fall semester.” When you admit, you let someone in or accept them. It can be used for places like schools or clubs. Admit also means to say something is true, but here it means allowing entry. It is a simple and useful word for welcoming or permitting.

15. Yield

Yield means to give way or allow others to go or have something first. “Drivers must yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk.” It shows respect and permission for others to move or act before you. Yield is used often in driving or sharing situations. It means you allow by stepping back or giving priority. It is a polite way to allow others to take action first or have something.

16. Tolerate

Tolerate means to allow something unpleasant or different without stopping it. “She tolerates her noisy neighbors because she likes her apartment.” When you tolerate, you accept things you may not like. It is about patience and allowing differences or small problems. Tolerate shows understanding and kindness, even if things are not perfect. It is a softer way of allowing things you don’t fully like but accept anyway.

17. Accept

Accept means to agree to receive or allow something. “He accepted the gift with a big smile.” When you accept, you say yes or take something offered. It can be for ideas, help, or things. Accept shows a positive or peaceful permission. It is a simple word that works in many situations. When you accept, you allow something to happen by welcoming it kindly.

18. Endorse

Endorse means to publicly support or approve something or someone. “The celebrity endorsed the new phone in the advertisement.” When you endorse, you allow by giving your support or approval. It is used in business, politics, or social media. Endorsing means you say yes and help others trust or like something. It is a strong and positive way to allow and support at the same time.

19. Give

Give means to allow someone to have or do something by offering it. “She gave her friend permission to borrow her bike.” When you give, you allow by letting go or sharing. It is a simple and everyday word. Giving can be about things, rights, or chances. It shows kindness and permission. Give is a friendly word to use when you allow others to have or do something.

20. Afford

Afford means to allow or make possible to do or have something, often with money or time. “We cannot afford to buy a new car right now.” It shows that you allow because you have enough resources. Afford can also mean to be able to do something without problems. It is used for chances, money, or time. When you afford, you allow because it is possible and safe to do so.

21. Open

Open means to allow access or the chance for something to happen. “The new door opens the way to the garden.” When you open, you allow by removing a barrier or starting something. It can be for places, opportunities, or ideas. Open is a clear and simple word that means permission to enter or start. It is friendly and easy to use in many situations.

22. Liberate

Liberate means to free someone or something, allowing them to be free from control or limits. “The army liberated the city from the enemy.” When you liberate, you allow freedom and remove restrictions. It is a strong word often used in history or freedom stories. Liberate shows permission by giving power back or removing limits. It means more than allow—it means to make free.

23. Pass

Pass means to allow something to go through or happen. “The law was passed by the government.” It can mean allowing ideas, rules, or things to move forward. Pass is a simple and common word. When you pass something, you say yes or let it continue. It is often used for rules, messages, or tests. Pass shows permission in an easy and clear way.

24. Commission

Commission means to give someone the job or power to do something important. “She was commissioned to create the new art piece.” When you commission, you allow by giving authority and a task. It is used in business, art, and the military. Commission shows formal permission and trust. It means you allow someone to act or create something on your behalf.

25. Delegate

Delegate means to give someone else the power or job to do something for you. “The manager delegated tasks to her team.” When you delegate, you allow others to act in your place. It helps share work and responsibility. Delegating means trusting and giving permission to someone else. It is common in offices and teams. Delegate shows a smart way to allow others to help or decide.

26. Qualify

Qualify means to meet the rules or standards needed to be allowed to do something. “He qualified for the final round of the contest.” When you qualify, you get permission by being good enough or ready. It shows that someone or something is allowed because they pass a test or rule. Qualify is used in sports, jobs, or schools. It means you are officially allowed because you meet the needs.

27. Ratify

Ratify means to officially approve or allow something by voting or agreement. “The countries ratified the peace agreement.” When you ratify, you say yes formally after discussion or voting. It is used for laws, contracts, or agreements. Ratify shows strong and official permission. It means the group or leaders allow something by making it legal and final.

28. Validate

Validate means to confirm or allow something as true or acceptable. “The teacher validated the student’s answer.” When you validate, you allow by agreeing or proving it is correct. It can be about ideas, papers, or feelings. Validation shows support and acceptance. It means you allow something to be real or right. Validate is a polite and helpful word for allowing and approving.

29. Warrant

Warrant means to officially allow or give reason for something. “The police had a warrant to search the house.” When you warrant, you allow because there is a good reason or proof. It is used in legal or formal talks. Warrant means permission based on facts or rules. It is a strong and serious word showing clear reasons for allowing something.

30. Concede

Concede means to allow or admit something, often after some argument or resistance. “He conceded that he was wrong in the debate.” When you concede, you finally allow or accept something. It shows giving permission or agreement after hesitation. It is used in talks, games, or discussions. Concede means you allow something by giving in or agreeing in the end.

31. Free

Free means to allow someone to act or move without control or limits. “They were free to choose their own path.” When you free, you allow full permission and remove limits. It is about having no rules or restrictions. Free is a happy and strong word. It means open choice and full permission. When you free someone, you let them be themselves and do what they want.

Final Thoughts

Now you have many easy words to use instead of “allow.” Each synonym has its own feeling and use, from formal words like authorize to casual words like let. Using different words makes your talk or writing more fun and clear. Try them out in your sentences and see how your English improves. It is great to know many ways to say yes or give permission. Keep practicing and enjoy using these words every day!