tolerate

verb

ˈtä-lə-ˌrāt How to pronounce tolerate (audio)
Definition of toleratenext
1
as in to let
to fail to prevent (some behavior on someone's part) especially from neglect or indifference my boss simply doesn't tolerate tardiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to endure
to put up with (something painful or difficult) suffering a terrible headache, the poor woman couldn't tolerate all the noise the neighbors were making

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb tolerate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of tolerate are abide, bear, endure, stand, and suffer. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

When would abide be a good substitute for tolerate?

While the synonyms abide and tolerate are close in meaning, abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When is it sensible to use bear instead of tolerate?

The synonyms bear and tolerate are sometimes interchangeable, but bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

When could endure be used to replace tolerate?

The words endure and tolerate can be used in similar contexts, but endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

Where would stand be a reasonable alternative to tolerate?

In some situations, the words stand and tolerate are roughly equivalent. However, stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When can suffer be used instead of tolerate?

While in some cases nearly identical to tolerate, suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tolerate Kojic acid Generally derived from certain types of fungi, kojic acid is an alternative to hydroquinone that Dr. Spearman says patients with eczema tend to tolerate better. —Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025 The company can’t tolerate such limited positivity from potential fans and customers when corporate profits and executive survival require across-the-board approval, maybe even love. —Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025 Read the full Libra Daily Horoscope Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Sick and tired of tolerating it? —Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025 Despite their native habitat in moist woods and along stream banks, plants tolerate dry soil and drought. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tolerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tolerate
  1. let
  2. endure
  3. allow
  4. accept
  5. ignore
  6. stand
  7. permit
  8. handle
Verb
  • The lawsuit states that Liberty was negligent in failing to mark the gas line, and that after hitting the gas line, the other three companies were negligent in letting the gas leak continue unchecked.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Konan’s lawyers say refusal-to-deliver cases are rare and letting her suit continue would not cripple the postal service.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of let
Verb
  • Interest might ebb and flow depending on the person who fills the role, but the kingly complexion of the papacy itself continues to hold enduring intrigue.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Our compatibility has endured through all kinds of experiences.
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of endure
Verb
  • The rules will also allow carmakers to report less severe crashes monthly, and add a property damage reporting threshold for less severe crashes involving self-driving vehicles.
    — David Shepardson, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • When the season begins, Baku is out of school due to suspension, allowing the Union a chance to get their claws into the Eunjang student body.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of allow
Verb
  • Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Cash only: The Desert Bar doesn't accept credit or debit cards.
    — Tiffany Acosta, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of accept
Verb
  • Wallen briefly hugged the actress but seemed to ignore the rest of the cast and quickly walked past view of the camera.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • However, Catherine was unimpressed by him going overboard — and ignoring the importance of bedside manner — in the clinic.
    — Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • Without Hughes performing at the absolute apex of his powers, this team didn’t stand a chance.
    — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This defiant position cannot stand—not if the rule of law is to survive.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of stand
Verb
  • His White House permitted the attorney general to say that the man’s wife and child are better off without Garcia.
    — Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2025
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of permit
Verb
  • During a press conference on Wednesday, the China Manned Space Agency announced the astronaut selected will be a payload specialist, handling daily tasks during the mission, as well as scientific experiments for Pakistan.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
  • If the highest and broadest tariffs are avoided, U.S. farmers will likely be able to handle the impacts with only modest discomfort.
    — Adam A. Millsap, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of handle

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tolerantly
tolerate
tolerated
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Cite this Entry

“Tolerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tolerate. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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