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 cultural tide in America had turned against the permissive atmosphere on America’s campuses, which tolerated the roving bands of menacing, occasionally violent anti-Israel mobs that had transformed their institutions from centers of learning to gauntlets.
—
Noah Rothman, National Review, 24 Mar. 2025
Of note, while soft parenting shares some traits with permissive parenting, the root, or reason for choosing this style, differs.
—Jana Pollack, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Attitudes about housing in L.A. have evolved somewhat in recent years; the fanatical cult of the single-family dwelling has given way to more permissive laws concerning multiple structures on single lots.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025
Consequently, doing so may only be justified in more permissive airspace or where the air force has already established air superiority or even dominance, such as the Gaza Strip.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for permissive
Noah Rothman, National Review, 24 Mar. 2025
Of note, while soft parenting shares some traits with permissive parenting, the root, or reason for choosing this style, differs.
—Jana Pollack, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Attitudes about housing in L.A. have evolved somewhat in recent years; the fanatical cult of the single-family dwelling has given way to more permissive laws concerning multiple structures on single lots.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025
Consequently, doing so may only be justified in more permissive airspace or where the air force has already established air superiority or even dominance, such as the Gaza Strip.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for permissive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permissive
Adjective
-
After all, supportive sneakers for walking through a city, flexible pants for long-haul flights, and versatile pieces that can be worn multiple times throughout a trip are essentials on any packing list.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2025
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Despite its grandeur, over the centuries the palace proved to be a flexible structure, capable of accommodating additions, splits, partitions, changes of ownership and use.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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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For example, Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has released ever more sophisticated versions of its large language model, Llama, with openly accessible parameters.—
Jonathan L. Zittrain,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2025
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As drowning risks have come into focus, advocates are trying to make swimming lessons more accessible.—
Jennifer Peltz,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Others worked for departments that had generous telework policies and lax enforcement of those requirements.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
16 May 2025
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The new permit contains more lax regulations, neglects to address more than 20 toxic chemicals and concerns about forever chemicals, Vallee said in a statement.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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This can reduce your risk of straining muscles while also leveling up your performance, since your tissues are more pliable and ready to work, Dr. Yu explains.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
1 May 2025
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Every seam, hole, etc. was sealed with a gasket or with a special acoustic caulk that stays pliable for decades.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Permissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permissive. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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