Opposite of Denied: 30 Antonyms Like Allowed with Examples

When something is denied, it means it was refused, rejected, or not allowed. You might be denied permission, access, or even the truth. It often feels like a door being closed. But when something is accepted, approved, or granted, the opposite of denied helps express that better outcome.

Antonyms for denied include words like accepted, granted, approved, allowed, and permitted. These words are used when someone gets a “yes” instead of a “no.” In this article, you’ll learn how to use these opposite words with simple examples to help you describe more positive results or situations.

Definition of “Denied”

The word “denied” generally means to refuse to grant something requested or desired; to declare untrue; or to refuse to acknowledge or recognize. It is the past participle of the verb “deny.” Understanding the nuances of “denied” is crucial for selecting the appropriate antonym.

The classification of “denied” includes its role as a verb in past participle form, often used in passive voice constructions. Its function is primarily to express negation or refusal.

The contexts in which “denied” is used vary widely, from legal settings (e.g., “The appeal was denied”) to everyday situations (e.g., “He was denied access”).

The word “denied” can also express a contradiction or disavowal of a statement. For instance, “The suspect denied the accusations.” In this context, it signifies a rejection of the truthfulness of the claim.

Recognizing these different shades of meaning is essential for choosing the most fitting antonym.

Structural Breakdown of “Denied”

Structurally, “denied” is the past participle form of the verb “deny.” The verb “deny” follows a regular conjugation pattern. Its present tense is “deny,” its past tense is “denied,” and its past participle is also “denied.” The structure is simple: the base verb “deny” plus the suffix “-ed” to form the past tense and past participle.

This regular structure makes it easier to understand and use in various grammatical constructions. Understanding this structural breakdown helps in correctly using its antonyms, as the tense and form must align with the intended meaning.

When using “denied” in a sentence, it often appears in passive voice constructions, such as “The request was denied.” Here, “was” is the auxiliary verb, and “denied” is the past participle. This passive construction emphasizes the action being performed on the subject rather than the subject performing the action.

The active form of this sentence would be “They denied the request,” where “denied” is the simple past tense.

Opposite of Denied

Antonyms for “denied” can be categorized based on the specific nuance of “denied” that they are opposing. Below are the key categories:

1. Antonyms Related to Permission or Approval

These antonyms are used when “denied” means “refused permission” or “disallowed.” Examples include: allowed, permitted, approved, authorized, sanctioned.

2. Antonyms Related to Acceptance or Agreement

These antonyms are used when “denied” means “refused to accept” or “rejected.” Examples include: accepted, agreed to, affirmed, confirmed, validated.

3. Antonyms Related to Acknowledgment or Recognition

These antonyms are used when “denied” means “refused to acknowledge” or “disavowed.” Examples include: acknowledged, admitted, confessed, recognized, conceded.

4. Antonyms Related to Truth or Validity

These antonyms are used when “denied” means “declared untrue” or “contradicted.” Examples include: confirmed, verified, substantiated, validated, attested to.

5. Antonyms Related to Granting or Providing

These antonyms are used when “denied” means “refused to grant” or “withheld.” Examples include: granted, provided, bestowed, conferred, awarded.

Examples of Antonyms for “Denied”

The following sections provide examples of antonyms for “denied” categorized by their specific meaning. Each table contains a variety of sentences demonstrating the use of the antonym in different contexts.

Understanding these examples will help you choose the most appropriate word to convey your intended meaning.

Approved

When “denied” means that something was not given approval, antonyms like “approved” can be used. Here are examples of “approved” used as an antonym for “denied” in different sentences.

These examples illustrate how “approved” indicates acceptance and endorsement.

Original Sentence (Using “Denied”)	Revised Sentence (Using “Approved”)
The application was denied due to incomplete information.	The application was approved after the missing information was provided.
His request for a loan was denied.	His request for a loan was approved.
The proposal was denied by the committee.	The proposal was approved by the committee.
She was denied permission to attend the conference.	She was approved to attend the conference.
The budget was denied by the board.	The budget was approved by the board.
The project was denied funding.	The project was approved for funding.
His visa application was denied.	His visa application was approved.
The construction plans were denied by the city council.	The construction plans were approved by the city council.
Their petition was denied by the judge.	Their petition was approved by the judge.
The new policy was denied implementation.	The new policy was approved for implementation.
The experimental drug was denied for public use.	The experimental drug was approved for public use.
The company’s merger was denied by regulators.	The company’s merger was approved by regulators.
The student’s appeal was denied by the university.	The student’s appeal was approved by the university.
The athlete’s participation was denied due to injury.	The athlete’s participation was approved after medical clearance.
The film’s release was denied in several countries.	The film’s release was approved in several countries.
The transfer request was denied by the manager.	The transfer request was approved by the manager.
The use of the facility was denied for the event.	The use of the facility was approved for the event.
The overtime request was initially denied.	The overtime request was later approved.
The sale of the property was denied by the owner.	The sale of the property was approved by the owner.
The amendment was denied by the legislature.	The amendment was approved by the legislature.
The researcher’s grant proposal was denied.	The researcher’s grant proposal was approved.
The early retirement package was denied to some employees.	The early retirement package was approved for all eligible employees.

Granted

When “denied” implies that something was withheld, antonyms like “granted” are appropriate. The following examples showcase how “granted” signifies that something has been given or allowed.

These sentences illustrate the various contexts in which “granted” can be used as an antonym for “denied.”

Original Sentence (Using “Denied”)	Revised Sentence (Using “Granted”)
He was denied the opportunity to speak.	He was granted the opportunity to speak.
The prisoner was denied parole.	The prisoner was granted parole.
She was denied a scholarship.	She was granted a scholarship.
They were denied access to the information.	They were granted access to the information.
The company was denied an extension.	The company was granted an extension.
The refugees were denied asylum.	The refugees were granted asylum.
He was denied a second chance.	He was granted a second chance.
The town was denied federal aid.	The town was granted federal aid.
The request was denied without explanation.	The request was granted immediately.
They were denied their basic rights.	They were granted their basic rights.
The author was denied permission to use the quote.	The author was granted permission to use the quote.
The student was denied extra time on the exam.	The student was granted extra time on the exam.
The family was denied a loan modification.	The family was granted a loan modification.
The scientist was denied funding for the research.	The scientist was granted funding for the research.
The community was denied a new park.	The community was granted a new park.
The employee was denied a promotion.	The employee was granted a promotion.
The inventor was denied a patent for the invention.	The inventor was granted a patent for the invention.
The organization was denied tax-exempt status.	The organization was granted tax-exempt status.
The patient was denied a life-saving surgery.	The patient was granted a life-saving surgery.
The journalist was denied an interview.	The journalist was granted an interview.
The team was denied entry into the competition.	The team was granted entry into the competition.
The proposal was denied consideration.	The proposal was granted consideration.
The visitor was denied a visa extension.	The visitor was granted a visa extension.

Accepted

When “denied” indicates a refusal to accept something, using antonyms like “accepted” is appropriate. These examples demonstrate how “accepted” signifies agreement or approval.

The sentences below showcase the different ways “accepted” can be used in place of “denied.”

Original Sentence (Using “Denied”)	Revised Sentence (Using “Accepted”)
The gift was denied by the recipient.	The gift was accepted by the recipient.
The terms of the contract were denied.	The terms of the contract were accepted.
The offer was denied by the seller.	The offer was accepted by the seller.
The apology was denied by the offended party.	The apology was accepted by the offended party.
The nomination was denied by the candidate.	The nomination was accepted by the candidate.
The challenge was denied by the team.	The challenge was accepted by the team.
The invitation was denied due to a prior engagement.	The invitation was accepted with pleasure.
The responsibility was denied by the employee.	The responsibility was accepted by the employee.
The compromise was denied by both sides.	The compromise was accepted by both sides.
The blame was denied by the suspect.	The blame was accepted by the suspect.
The shipment was denied due to damage.	The shipment was accepted after inspection.
The application was initially denied.	The application was later accepted.
The donation was denied by the charity.	The donation was gratefully accepted by the charity.
The idea was initially denied by the group.	The idea was eventually accepted by the group.
The proposal was denied after careful consideration.	The proposal was accepted after careful consideration.
The changes were denied by the management.	The changes were accepted by the management.
The explanation was denied by the investigator.	The explanation was accepted by the investigator.
The evidence was denied by the court.	The evidence was accepted by the court.
The outcome was denied by the losing team.	The outcome was accepted by the losing team.
The criticism was denied by the artist.	The criticism was accepted by the artist as constructive.
The responsibility for the error was denied.	The responsibility for the error was accepted.
The offer of help was denied out of pride.	The offer of help was accepted gratefully.
The new member was denied into the club.	The new member was accepted into the club.

Permitted

When “denied” means that something was not allowed, antonyms like “permitted” are appropriate. The following examples illustrate how “permitted” signifies allowance or authorization.

These sentences show how “permitted” can be used in various contexts as an antonym for “denied.”

Original Sentence (Using “Denied”)	Revised Sentence (Using “Permitted”)
Smoking is denied in this area.	Smoking is permitted in this area.
He was denied to leave early.	He was permitted to leave early.
Visitors are denied beyond this point.	Visitors are permitted beyond this point.
The students were denied to use their phones during the exam.	The students were permitted to use their phones during the exam for research.
Parking is denied on this side of the street.	Parking is permitted on this side of the street.
The children were denied to stay up late.	The children were permitted to stay up late for the special occasion.
Photography is denied inside the museum.	Photography is permitted inside the museum with a special pass.
The use of the facility was denied after hours.	The use of the facility was permitted after hours with prior approval.
The protesters were denied to gather in the park.	The protesters were permitted to gather in the park with a permit.
The construction workers were denied to work on Sunday.	The construction workers were permitted to work on Sunday to meet the deadline.
The patients were denied visitors after 9 PM.	The patients were permitted visitors until 10 PM.
The employees were denied to access the restricted files.	The employees were permitted to access the restricted files with authorization.
The journalists were denied to attend the closed-door meeting.	The journalists were permitted to attend the closed-door meeting under strict conditions.
The residents were denied to build a fence without approval.	The residents were permitted to build a fence with proper approval.
The athletes were denied to use performance-enhancing drugs.	The athletes were permitted to use certain supplements under supervision.
The scientists were denied to conduct experiments without ethical review.	The scientists were permitted to conduct experiments after ethical review.
The drivers were denied to exceed the speed limit.	The drivers were permitted to exceed the speed limit only in emergencies.
The customers were denied to return the item without a receipt.	The customers were permitted to return the item with a valid receipt.
The students were denied to plagiarize their assignments.	The students were permitted to use sources with proper citation.
The public was denied to access the private beach.	The public was permitted to access the private beach during certain hours.
The software was denied to be installed on company devices.	The software was permitted to be installed on company devices by IT.
The use of drones was denied in the national park.	The use of drones was permitted in the national park with permission.
The sale of alcohol was denied after midnight.	The sale of alcohol was permitted until 2 AM.

Allowed

When “denied” means that something was not allowed, antonyms like “allowed” are also appropriate. Here are examples of “allowed” used as an antonym for “denied” in different sentences.

“Allowed” indicates that something has been given permission or authorization.

Original Sentence (Using “Denied”)	Revised Sentence (Using “Allowed”)
Pets are denied in this apartment building.	Pets are allowed in this apartment building.
He was denied to enter the club.	He was allowed to enter the club.
The children were denied to play outside.	The children were allowed to play outside.
She was denied to speak her mind.	She was allowed to speak her mind.
They were denied to visit the museum for free.	They were allowed to visit the museum for free on Tuesdays.
The students were denied to use calculators on the test.	The students were allowed to use calculators on the test.
The employees were denied to take a break.	The employees were allowed to take a break.
The car was denied to park here.	The car was allowed to park here.
The software was denied to run on the old computer.	The software was allowed to run on the old computer after an update.
The book was denied to be published.	The book was allowed to be published.
The team was denied to participate in the tournament.	The team was allowed to participate in the tournament.
The public was denied to access the beach.	The public was allowed to access the beach.
The experiment was denied to proceed.	The experiment was allowed to proceed.
The building was denied to be built so high.	The building was allowed to be built so high after special permission.
The movie was denied to be shown in the theater.	The movie was allowed to be shown in the theater.
The song was denied to be played on the radio.	The song was allowed to be played on the radio.
The picture was denied to be hung on the wall.	The picture was allowed to be hung on the wall.
The company was denied to sell the product.	The company was allowed to sell the product.
The article was denied to be printed in the newspaper.	The article was allowed to be printed in the newspaper.
The comment was denied to be posted on the website.	The comment was allowed to be posted on the website.
The application was denied to be processed.	The application was allowed to be processed.
The request was denied to be fulfilled.	The request was allowed to be fulfilled.
The file was denied to be uploaded.	The file was allowed to be uploaded.

Usage Rules for Antonyms of “Denied”

Using antonyms correctly requires understanding the specific context in which “denied” is used. Here are some general rules to follow:

1. Context Matters: Always consider the specific meaning of “denied” in the sentence. Is it about permission, acceptance, or acknowledgment?
2. Tense Agreement: Ensure that the antonym is in the correct tense to match the original sentence. For instance, if the original sentence uses “was denied,” the antonym should also be in the past tense (e.g., “was approved”).
3. Subject-Verb Agreement: Make sure the subject and verb in the revised sentence agree in number. If the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and vice versa.
4. Formal vs. Informal: Choose an antonym that matches the formality of the context. For example, “permitted” might be more appropriate in formal settings, while “allowed” can be used in more casual situations.
5. Avoiding Double Negatives: Be careful not to create double negatives when using antonyms. For example, instead of saying “It was not denied,” which can be confusing, use a clear affirmative statement like “It was approved.”

Understanding these rules will help you use antonyms of “denied” accurately and effectively, ensuring clarity and precision in your communication.

Common Mistakes When Using Antonyms of “Denied”

Several common mistakes can occur when using antonyms of “denied.” Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid errors and improve your accuracy.

Incorrect Example	Correct Example	Explanation
The access was denied to him, so he didn’t allowed.	The access was denied to him, so he wasn’t allowed.	Using “didn’t allowed” is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is “wasn’t allowed.”
The request was denied, but then granted it.	The request was denied, but then it was granted.	The sentence needs a subject for “granted.” Adding “it was” clarifies the meaning.
She denied the permission, so she was approved.	She was denied the permission, so she was not approved.	This sentence mixes up the subject. “She” cannot be “approved.” The correct sentence maintains logical consistency.
The entry was denied, but they accepted not.	The entry was denied, but they did accept it.	“Accepted not” is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is “did accept it” or “accepted it.”
The proposal was denied, it confirmed.	The proposal was denied; instead, it was confirmed.	“Confirmed” doesn’t logically follow “denied” without a contrasting word. Adding “instead” clarifies the contrast.
He was denied to go, so he permitted.	He was denied permission to go, so he was not permitted.	“He permitted” doesn’t make sense in this context. The correct form is “he was not permitted” or “he was allowed to go.”
The access was denied, but they acknowledged.	The access was denied, but they acknowledged that it should have been granted.	“Acknowledged” needs context to be meaningful here. Adding “that it should have been granted” clarifies the intended meaning.
The claim was denied, but they validated.	The claim was denied, but they validated a different claim.	“Validated” needs a specific object to make sense. Adding “a different claim” provides the necessary context.
The request denied, but it granted.	The request was denied, but it was later granted.	Missing auxiliary verbs make the sentence incomplete. The correct form includes “was” for both “denied” and “granted.”
They denied the access, so they permitted.	They denied the access, so they permitted others.	“Permitted” requires a clear subject. Adding “others” clarifies who was permitted access.

By understanding these common mistakes and their corrections, you can ensure that you are using antonyms of “denied” accurately and effectively.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with the following exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate antonym for “denied” from the word bank provided below each set of sentences.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct antonym from the word bank to complete each sentence.

Word Bank: Approved, Granted, Accepted, Allowed, Permitted

1. The application was ________ after all the documents were verified.
2. He was ________ the opportunity to present his research.
3. The gift was gratefully ________ by the charity.
4. Smoking is ________ in designated areas only.
5. Students are ________ to use calculators during the exam.
6. The proposal was initially ________ but later reconsidered.
7. She was ________ access to the restricted files.
8. The terms of the agreement were ________ by both parties.
9. Parking is ________ on this side of the street after 6 PM.
10. The request for an extension was ________ due to extenuating circumstances.

Answer Key:

1. Approved
2. Granted
3. Accepted
4. Permitted
5. Allowed
6. Denied
7. Granted
8. Accepted
9. Permitted
10. Granted

Exercise 2

Rewrite the following sentences using an antonym for “denied.”

1. The request for funding was denied by the committee.
2. She was denied permission to attend the conference.
3. The prisoner was denied parole after his hearing.
4. They were denied access to the classified information.
5. The proposal was denied without a clear explanation.
6. The company was denied an extension on their taxes.
7. The refugees were denied asylum in the neighboring country.
8. He was denied a second chance to prove himself.
9. The town was denied federal aid after the natural disaster.
10. They were denied their basic human rights.

Answer Key:

1. The request for funding was approved by the committee.
2. She was granted permission to attend the conference.
3. The prisoner was granted parole after his hearing.
4. They were granted access to the classified information.
5. The proposal was approved with a clear explanation.
6. The company was granted an extension on their taxes.
7. The refugees were granted asylum in the neighboring country.
8. He was granted a second chance to prove himself.
9. The town was granted federal aid after the natural disaster.
10. They were granted their basic human rights.

Exercise 3

Choose the best antonym for “denied” in the following sentences. Select from the options provided.

1. The application was (denied / approved / rejected) by the admissions committee.
2. He was (denied / granted / refused) the opportunity to speak at the event.
3. The gift was (denied / accepted / refused) by the recipient with gratitude.
4. Smoking is (denied / permitted / prohibited) in all public buildings.
5. Students are (denied / allowed / forbidden) to use electronic devices during the test.
6. The proposal was initially (denied / considered / approved) but later faced challenges.
7. She was (denied / given / granted) access to the exclusive VIP lounge.
8. The terms of the contract were (denied / accepted / rejected) after careful negotiation.
9. Parking is (denied / permitted / prohibited) on this street during rush hour.
10. The request for an extension was (denied / rejected / granted) due to unforeseen circumstances.

Answer Key:

1. approved
2. granted
3. accepted
4. permitted
5. allowed
6. denied
7. granted
8. accepted
9. permitted
10. granted

Advanced Topics: Nuances and Context

At an advanced level, understanding the subtle nuances and contextual implications of antonyms becomes crucial. The “best” antonym isn’t always the most obvious one; it’s the one that most accurately conveys the intended meaning within the specific context.

For instance, in a legal setting, the antonym for “denied” might be “upheld,” which carries a specific legal connotation. Similarly, in diplomatic contexts, “acknowledged” might be a more appropriate antonym than “accepted” when referring to a disputed claim.

Furthermore, the emotional tone and formality of the language should also influence your choice. A formal document might require “authorized” instead of “allowed,” while a personal letter might use “consented” instead of “permitted.” Paying attention to these subtle differences can significantly enhance the precision and impact of your communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the primary antonym for “denied”?The primary antonym for “denied” depends on the context. Common antonyms include “approved,” “granted,” “accepted,” “permitted,” and “allowed.” The best choice depends on the specific meaning of “denied” in the sentence.
2. How do I choose the correct antonym for “denied”?Consider the context of the sentence. Ask yourself what aspect of “denied” you want to negate. Is it about permission, acceptance, acknowledgment, or something else? Choose the antonym that best reflects the opposite of that specific meaning.
3. Can “affirmed” be an antonym for “denied”?Yes, “affirmed” can be an antonym for “denied” when “denied” means to declare untrue or to contradict. “Affirmed” means to state positively or to confirm, which is the opposite of denying the truth of something.
4. Is “acknowledged” always a suitable antonym for “denied”?No, “acknowledged” is only a suitable antonym when “denied” means to refuse to acknowledge or recognize something. For example, “The company denied the allegations” would be antonymous with “The company acknowledged the allegations.”
5. What’s the difference between “permitted” and “allowed”?Both “permitted” and “allowed” mean to give
   

   permission, but “permitted” is often considered more formal than “allowed.” In many contexts, they can be used interchangeably, but “permitted” is frequently used in official or legal settings.

Conclusion

Understanding the antonyms for “denied” is a valuable skill that enhances your ability to communicate precisely and effectively. By considering the context, nuance, and formality of the situation, you can select the most appropriate antonym to convey your intended meaning.

Whether you choose “approved,” “granted,” “accepted,” “permitted,” or “allowed,” each word carries its own specific connotation that can enrich your language and make your communication more impactful. Keep practicing, and you’ll master the art of using antonyms to express a wide range of ideas with clarity and confidence.