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

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 The Documenta code of conduct suggested that any form of antisemitism, as defined by the IHRA, would not be tolerated—and could even be prosecuted accordingly. —

Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Feb. 2025 One current member told me that drinking, which had always been tolerated, if not encouraged, came under enhanced scrutiny when Stedman took over. —

Justine Harman, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025 Hardy blackberries grow well in the Lone Star State, tolerating high temperatures in the summer and fruiting from spring to fall. —

Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2025 Interior rooms, office cubicles, and spaces with north-facing windows call for plants that can tolerate very limited light. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for tolerate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tolerate

Verb

Spray the mixture onto your countertops and let the solution sit for 3-5 minutes before wiping it down with a soft sponge or cloth.

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025
The bar found a Dutch butcher who can slice the steak the right way, and developed its own Whiz when British food codes wouldn’t let the real(?) stuff in.

— Ali Watkins, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025