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 It is often used when a person has vomiting or diarrhea and cannot tolerate most food. Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 June 2025 Kale tolerates light freezes and cold temperatures enhance the flavor of their foliage. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 June 2025 Holloway is deeply troubled by Lockard's actions and said such behavior will not be tolerated, the release states. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025 Leaks will not be tolerated and this will be investigated. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tolerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tolerate
Verb
  • Don’t let anyone take the meeting in the wrong emotional direction.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Leiter responded with a strikeout, but a wild pitch let Lukes reach second before Ernie Clement hit a soft single to Volpe.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Beyond the West Coast, Florida’s luxury market also endured a turbulent year.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 July 2025
  • The couple hasn't tied the knot, yet their nearly two-decade relationship has endured more than most marriages.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The Connecticut state legislature paved the way for UConn to opt into the settlement in February, passing a bill that included language allowing student athletes to earn direct compensation from the institution through revenue sharing.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • Ushering in nothing short of a police state intent on ethnic cleansing, Trump’s proposed 2026 budget authorizes funding for detention complexes greater than the budget for the federal prison system and detention complex capacity that will allow the government to detain at least 116,000 at once.
    Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • This includes actions such as cyberattacks, use of drones or sabotage tools, and accepting funds from foreign intelligence, even without taking action.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Following the Joint Conference Committee, the 21% corporate income tax rate was accepted and passed by the House and the Senate.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • While Paladino’s nonsense was rightfully ignored, a letter from a member of the House majority to the AG may not be ignored, especially this AG, especially under this president.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
  • Those who depend on freewheeling and shoot-from-the-hip strategies and tactics to address a crisis are ignoring or disregarding fundamental crisis management best practices that favor a calm, deliberate, and thoughtful approach.
    Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Both stood side by side minutes before Fine would confront her abuser one last time.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques — these worldly shells stand as evidence of New York’s long history of diversity and change.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • Cooper noted that only personal items like a purse or brief briefcase are permitted, so don’t bring rolling bags, luggage and other unapproved items.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Especially useful were the afternoon sessions spent handling jewelry and learning about European and British hallmarks and assay marks through using the loupe and studying the different marks.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • There are, however, a variety of B2B businesses out there tailored to handle services like these.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tolerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tolerate. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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