tolerance
noun
tol·er·ance
ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s 
ˈtäl-rən(t)s
2
a
: sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own
b
: the act of allowing something : toleration
3
: the allowable deviation from a standard
especially
: the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified dimension in machining a piece
4
a(1)
: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (such as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure
developed a tolerance to painkillers
also
: the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
(2)
: relative capacity of an organism to grow or thrive when subjected to an unfavorable environmental factor
b
: the maximum amount of a pesticide residue that may lawfully remain on or in food
Examples of tolerance in a Sentence
a tolerance for other lifestyles
The plants have a high tolerance for heat.
Some patients gradually develop a tolerance for the drug and need to be given a larger dose.
Some patients develop greater tolerance for the drug's effects.
Recent Examples on the Web
Upon learning that dogs were allowed to roam on the lawn, the reason for its decimation became clear, since this grass, although touted for its shade and drought tolerance, is highly sensitive to dog urine and dog digging.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Studies show that people who have a higher tolerance for ambiguity are also more resilient, make better decisions under pressure and excel at solving problems in volatile environments.
—Jessica Weiss, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
Schools must implement comprehensive anti-bias training and enforce zero-tolerance policies.
—Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Philadelphia, with its Quaker tradition of religious tolerance, New York and Newport were particularly hospitable to Jewish people.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tolerance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Studies show that people who have a higher tolerance for ambiguity are also more resilient, make better decisions under pressure and excel at solving problems in volatile environments.
—Jessica Weiss, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
Schools must implement comprehensive anti-bias training and enforce zero-tolerance policies.
—Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Philadelphia, with its Quaker tradition of religious tolerance, New York and Newport were particularly hospitable to Jewish people.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tolerance
Cite this Entry
“Tolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tolerance
noun
tol·er·ance
ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s
1
a
: ability to put up with something harmful or unpleasant
b
: the ability to adjust to a food or drug so that its effects are experienced less strongly
2
: sympathy for or acceptance of feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from one's own
Medical Definition
tolerance
noun
tol·er·ance
ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s
1
: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure
developed a tolerance to painkillers
2
: the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
