Synonyms of permissive
23 similar words · 20 opposite words
Another word for permissive is soft-handed. Other synonyms of permissive are broad-minded, liberal, open-minded, tolerant and lax. The opposite of permissive is strict.
Synonyms and similar words for permissive
adjectiveGiving permission, or predisposed to give it; lenient.
- broad-mindedHaving an open mind; tolerant of diversity; with broad views on different issues.
- liberalWidely open to new ideas, willing to depart from established opinions or conventions; permissive.
- tolerantTending to permit, allow, understand, or accept something.
- clementLenient or merciful; charitable.
- easygoingCalm, relaxed, casual and informal.
- forbearingCharacterized by patience and indulgence; long-suffering.
- indulgentDisposed or prone to indulge, humor, gratify, or yield to one's own or another's desires, etc., or to be compliant...
- laxLenient and allowing for deviation; not strict.
- lenientLax; not strict; tolerant of dissent or deviation.
- loose-handedLenient, permissive.
- permissiblePermissive.
- relaxedMade more lenient; less strict; lax.
- remissfulInclined to remit punishment; clement, lenient.
- safe slangLenient, usually describing a teacher that is easy-going.
- softEasy-going, lenient, not strict; permissive.
- soft-handedGentle; permissive; lenient; slow to enforce discipline.
adjectiveMore synonyms
- avuncularKind, genial, benevolent, or tolerant.
- catholicAll-embracing.
- latitudinarianTolerant, especially of other people's religious views.
- laissez faireAvoiding interference in other people's affairs; choosing to live and let live.
- open-handedFrank, honest, and tolerant.
- open-mindedWilling to consider new and different concepts, ideas, or opinions.
- sufferableAble to suffer, endure, or tolerate.
Opposite of permissive
adjectiveThat allows the replication of viruses.
- nonpermissiveNot permissive.
adjectiveMore antonyms
- bigotedHaving the characteristics of a bigot; strongly prejudiced; forming negative opinions about others without just cause.
- closed-minded
- close-mindedUnreceptive to new ideas or information; stubbornly set in one's ways.
- inclement
- intolerant
- narrow-minded
- nonindulgentNot indulgent.
- nontolerantNot tolerant.
- preachyTending toward excessive moralization.
- strictSevere in discipline.
- severe
- stern
- stringentStrict; binding strongly; making strict requirements; restrictive; rigid; severe.
- unclement
- unforbearingNot forbearing.
- unindulgentNot indulgent.
- unlenientNot lenient.
- unpermissiveStrict; repressive.
- unused toNot accustomed to, tolerant or accepting of; not used to.
Meaning of permissive
- adjective Giving permission, or predisposed to give it; lenient.
- adjective Open to the public by permission of the landowner.
- adjective That allows the replication of viruses.
permissive in other languages
Questions about synonyms of permissive
- What is another word for permissive?
- Permissive has 23 synonyms on Word.ws, such as soft-handed, broad-minded, liberal, open-minded, tolerant, lax, relaxed and clement.
- What is the opposite of permissive?
- The opposite of permissive is strict. Other antonyms of permissive are close-minded, stringent, bigoted and preachy.
- What does permissive mean?
- Permissive means giving permission, or predisposed to give it; lenient.
Source and license
Adapted from Wiktionary: permissive (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.
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Cite this page: “Synonyms of permissive.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/permissive. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.