TOLERATE Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tolerate

verb

ˈtä-lə-ˌrāt

Definition of tolerate next

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

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

Examples 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 Different people can tolerate varying amounts of lactose before experiencing symptoms.8 The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be hard to tell apart from those of IBS. —

Johna Burdeos, Health, 30 Nov. 2024 His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won't be tolerated. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 Andreessen said the party no longer tolerated dissent within its ranks and instead demanded lockstep conformity enforced through cancel culture, effectively reducing the Democrats to a religious cult minus the opportunity for redemption. —

Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024 The Satanic Temple has challenged what religions states will tolerate. —

Peter Greene, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tolerate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tolerate

Verb

Strong growth in productivity - or output per worker - should let companies give large raises without passing the higher costs to consumers through price increases, Oxford Economics said.

Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
Livia Gershon December 6, 2017 Can schools let students and teachers celebrate religions holidays without violating the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause?

The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Dec. 2024