allowable

adjective

al·​low·​able ə-ˈlau̇-ə-bəl How to pronounce allowable (audio)
Synonyms of allowablenext
: permissible
allowable income tax deductions
allowably adverb

Examples of allowable in a Sentence

international travel without a passport isn't allowable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For 2026, you are allowed to withdraw up to $20,000 for allowable educational expenses. Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026 Jeanie Buss, governor of the Lakers, has donated the maximum allowable amount to Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign, offering a high-profile boost to a nontraditional candidate in the race to lead Los Angeles. Teresa Liu, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 Neither hexavalent chromium nor arsenic is included as an allowable discharge pollutant in Tesla’s wastewater permit. Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 2026 The push to strengthen soot regulation yielded a major win in 2024, when the Biden-era EPA tightened the annual standard and adopted a 25% reduction in allowable fine particulate matter levels. Chaewon Chung april 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allowable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alowable, allowable "proper, admissible," borrowed from Anglo-French alouable, from aluer, aloer "to accept as legally valid, permit" + -able -able — more at allow

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allowable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Allowable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allowable. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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