tolerable

adjective

tol·​er·​a·​ble ˈtä-lə-rə-bəl 

ˈtäl-rə-;

ˈtä-lər-bəl

1

: capable of being borne or endured

tolerable pain

2

: moderately good or agreeable : passable

a tolerable singing voice

tolerability

ˌtä-lə-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌtäl-rə-

noun

tolerably

ˈtä-lə-rə-blē 

ˈtäl-rə-;

ˈtä-lər-blē

adverb

Synonyms of tolerable

• endurable
• bearable
• sustainable
• sufferable

Examples of tolerable in a Sentence

The heat was tolerable for only a short time.

stubbing your toe is at least a more tolerable pain than breaking your foot

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, many Korean exfoliators are designed to be more tolerable and easier to use consistently, which can translate into better long-term results for a lot of people. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026

The fabric is soft and stretchy with a pull-on waistband that makes long flights and train rides far more tolerable. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026

Despite the record heat Wednesday and Thursday, relative humidity levels will stay low, which will make the heat more tolerable. —Steven Sosna, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

The fermentation process reduces gluten, which may make sourdough more tolerable for people with minor gluten sensitivities. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tolerable

• intolerable

Kids Definition

tolerable

adjective

tol·​er·​able

ˈtäl-(ə-)rə-bəl, 

ˈtäl-ər-bəl

1

: capable of being put up with

tolerable pain

2

: fairly good

a tolerable singing voice

tolerably

-blē

adverb