What is another word for may?

Common synonyms for may include whitethorn, crataeguslaevigata, englishhawthorn, may, crataegusoxycantha.

What is the opposite of may?

Antonyms of may include must, shall, will, have to, ought to.

Synonyms for

May

Verb / meɪ / Another word for may — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

used to express possibility or permission

Synonyms & similar words

whitethorn crataeguslaevigata englishhawthorn may crataegusoxycantha might could would can allow permit authorize grant sanction endorse approve consent accede yield surrender submit capitulate concede relent

Synonyms by register

Formal

might could can

Informal

reckon suppose guess

Literary

perchance haply

Antonyms

must shall will have to ought to need to

Common collocations

may be
may have
may wish
may occur
may result
may lead
may cause
may find

Word family

verb may

Usage note

May indicates possibility or permission. It is generally more formal than 'can' when used for permission, though 'can' is increasingly common in informal contexts.