What is the Opposite(Antonym) of “may”?

The Opposite(Antonym) of “may”

The antonyms of may are must not, cannot, and should not. These antonyms convey a sense of prohibition or impossibility, indicating that something is not allowed or cannot be done.

Explore all Antonyms of “may”

• cannot
• must not
• should not

Definitions and Examples of must not, cannot, should not

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

must not

Expressing a prohibition or strong obligation not to do something.

Example

You must not smoke in this area.

cannot

Expressing an inability or impossibility to do something.

Example

I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow due to a prior commitment.

should not

Expressing advice or a recommendation against doing something.

Example

You should not eat too much junk food if you want to stay healthy.

Key Differences: must not vs cannot vs should not

• 1. Must not indicates a strong prohibition or obligation not to do something.
• 2. Cannot indicates an inability or impossibility to do something.
• 3. Should not indicates advice or a recommendation against doing something.

Effective Usage of must not, cannot, should not

• 1. Rules and Regulations: Use must not to indicate a strong prohibition in official documents or signs.
• 2. Limitations and Constraints: Use cannot to express inability or impossibility in personal or professional contexts.
• 3. Advice and Suggestions: Use should not to provide recommendations or advice in conversations or written communication.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of may convey a sense of prohibition or impossibility. Must not indicates a strong prohibition or obligation, cannot indicates an inability or impossibility, and should not indicates advice or a recommendation against doing something. Use these antonyms to communicate rules and regulations, limitations and constraints, and advice and suggestions effectively.