as in flexible
often disapproving
giving people a lot of freedom or too much freedom to do what they want to do
permissive parents Some states have more permissive laws than others.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of permissive
The main parenting styles Psychological researchers have identified four main parenting styles: neglectful, authoritarian, permissive and authoritative.
—
Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Key Background The Supreme Court’s ruling comes after the high court has recently been largely permissive to parties seeking greater religious rights, including in schools.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
While many deal makers had expected the Trump administration to be more permissive than the Biden administration, many on Wall Street have been surprised by early signs that a tough-on-deals stance may persist.
—Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The relatively new Neighbors for a Better San Diego has been a leader in the public debate over whether the city’s ADU rules — the most permissive in the state — are too much.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for permissive
Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Key Background The Supreme Court’s ruling comes after the high court has recently been largely permissive to parties seeking greater religious rights, including in schools.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
While many deal makers had expected the Trump administration to be more permissive than the Biden administration, many on Wall Street have been surprised by early signs that a tough-on-deals stance may persist.
—Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The relatively new Neighbors for a Better San Diego has been a leader in the public debate over whether the city’s ADU rules — the most permissive in the state — are too much.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for permissive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permissive
Adjective
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Everything has to be centred on them, perhaps with a flexible back three with three attacking midfielders: Havertz as a false nine, Musiala half left, Wirtz half right.—
Philipp Lahm,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Subsidized interest, flexible repayment options and leeway during times of financial hardship make federal loans a smart option for many eligible borrowers.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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With its gleaming cabinetry, large central island and ample space for a large table and chairs for informal meals, this area has an undeniable contemporary feel and visual appeal.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2025
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This exemption enabled informal workers and women who had had career gaps due to childrearing, for instance, to retire with some security.—
Christine Ro,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Back on the House side, another leading voice pushing for a more lenient approach, Rep. Anthony Garbarino (R-N.Y.) ultimately did not vote.—
Rachel Frazin,
The Hill,
23 May 2025
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The Delaware County District Attorney's Office acknowledged the fact that the trauma those two young girls endured is part of the reason Garnier was able to make a deal which helped secure him a far more lenient sentence.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Ensure that your hiring, development, and retention practices are equitably accessible and supportive of all talent pools.—
Sander van ‘t Noordende,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Some locations had been used in the first season, but others were newly accessible.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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In states with lax gun laws, private security—a broad, thinly regulated industry that heavily employs ex-cops and former servicemen—can be a bridge between law enforcement and vigilante activity.—
Jessica Pishko,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
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Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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This pliable attitude toward time can provide a welcome change in life.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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That sparked her idea for something more durable — a lightweight, pliable silicone cup that could be used again and again.—
Alexa St. John,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Permissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permissive. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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