allow for
phrasal verb
allowed for; allowing for; allows for
1
: to think about or plan for (something that will or might happen in the future)
When purchasing property, the company should allow for possible future growth/expansion.
2
: to consider (something) when one makes a calculation
The total distance, allowing for detours, is about 10 miles.
If you allow for inflation, he's actually earning less money now than he was 10 years ago.
3
: to make (something) possible
The design of the system allows for easy upgrades.
Examples of allow for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Low prices and high tourism allow for high returns from rental property.
—
Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The waterer allows for three chickens to drink at a time.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Instead, sheriff’s offices statewide were allowed for seven years to choose which law enforcement agencies investigated their in-custody deaths.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2025
The open-top design secures with a magnetic tab snap, keeping your belongings safe while still allowing for easy access.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allow for
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Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The waterer allows for three chickens to drink at a time.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Instead, sheriff’s offices statewide were allowed for seven years to choose which law enforcement agencies investigated their in-custody deaths.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2025
The open-top design secures with a magnetic tab snap, keeping your belongings safe while still allowing for easy access.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for allow for
Cite this Entry
“Allow for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allow%20for. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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