intolerance

noun

in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˌ)in-ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s 

-ˈtäl-rən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being intolerant

2

: exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug)

specifically : inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance

Synonyms

• bigotry
• dogmatism
• illiberalism
• illiberality
• illiberalness
• intolerantness
• narrow-mindedness
• opinionatedness
• partisanship
• sectarianism
• small-mindedness

Examples of intolerance in a Sentence

a group whose mission is to oppose intolerance and extremism

Recent Examples on the Web

Sadly, that kind of electoral punishment for conservative intolerance at the ballot box hasn’t helped save academic freedom at New College. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 16 Aug. 2024

In some ways, the ostracism seems like what she’s wanted, living proof of her thesis on the left’s growing intolerance. —Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Aug. 2024

And instead of reflecting genuine red flags to look out for in relationships, the ick often speaks to an intolerance of others’ quirks or vulnerabilities. —Kitty Ruskin, TIME, 5 Aug. 2024

Leaders worry that the gunfire in Pennsylvania last Saturday was just one – extreme – symptom of a climate of division, anger, and intolerance corroding democratic politics not just in the United States but in other countries as well. —Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

intolerance

noun

in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being intolerant

2

: exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug or food)

Medical Definition

intolerance

noun

in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s 

1

: lack of an ability to endure

an intolerance to light

2

: exceptional sensitivity (as to a food or drug)

specifically : inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance

glucose intolerance