zero tolerance

noun

: a policy of giving the most severe punishment possible to every person who commits a crime or breaks a rule
The police announced that there will be zero tolerance for looters.
The camp has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy.

Examples of zero tolerance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Florida has zero tolerance for human trafficking and violence against women. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 The filmmaker-actor will portray a fearless inspector characterized as a devout follower of the Hindu God Ayyappa with zero tolerance for corruption. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025 As a reminder of the government’s zero tolerance, tough-on-crime policies, photos and videos are often circulated that show scores of inmates, sometimes shirtless and clad only in boxers, bending over with their hands on their shaven heads. Annie Correal, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025 Trump could make clear that Tehran's destabilizing activities in the region will no longer be tolerated, signaling zero tolerance for noncompliance. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zero tolerance

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zero tolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20tolerance. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on zero tolerance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!