tolerate

verb

tol·​er·​ate ˈtä-lə-ˌrāt 

tolerated; tolerating

transitive verb

1

a

: to allow to be or to be done without prohibition, hindrance, or contradiction

b

: to put up with

learn to tolerate one another

2

: to endure or resist the action of (something, such as a drug or food) without serious side effects or discomfort : exhibit physiological tolerance for

tolerative

ˈtä-lə-ˌrā-tiv 

adjective

tolerator

ˈtä-lə-ˌrā-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• allow
• let
• permit
• suffer

Choose the Right Synonym for tolerate

bear, suffer, endure, abide, tolerate, stand mean to put up with something trying or painful.

bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

Examples of tolerate in a Sentence

Our teacher will not tolerate bad grammar.

Racist or sexist behavior will not be tolerated.

I can't tolerate that noise.

The government cannot tolerate lawlessness.

How can you tolerate such laziness?

These plants tolerate drought well.

I don't like my boss, but I tolerate him.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some cultivars tolerate rust, but intolerant cultivars can defoliate completely. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024

These tropical evergreen shrubs grow in USDA Zones 8-11, but now many varieties tolerate cooler temperatures and can be grown in Zone 7, such as 'Kleim's Hardy' and 'Frostproof.' How To Grow And Care For Gardenias 03 of 20 Rhododendron Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2024

Following someone to the parking lot and shooting them seven times for allegedly shoplifting is outrageous conduct that cannot be tolerated by corporations around the country. —Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024

Earth’s Best Organic Multi-Grain Infant Cereal is quick and easy to prepare and easy for babies to tolerate and digest. —Jennifer D'angelo Friedman, Parents, 1 Apr. 2024

Many disabilities and chronic illnesses also make Covid and other illnesses much harder to tolerate, and in some cases more deadly. —Andrew Pulrang, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

However, in the fashion industry laziness is not tolerated, nor is the bare minimum. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024

Nuts and seeds ground into smooth butters are generally easier to tolerate than whole ones. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 24 Mar. 2024

We are committed to excellence with every learner, every day, every way, and do not and will not tolerate behavior that runs contrary to this culture. —Cincinnati Enquirer, The Enquirer, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin toleratus, past participle of tolerare to endure, put up with; akin to Old English tholian to bear, Latin tollere to lift up, latus carried (suppletive past participle of ferre), Greek tlēnai to bear

First Known Use

1524, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

tolerate

verb

tol·​er·​ate ˈtäl-ə-ˌrāt 

tolerated; tolerating

1

: to allow something to be or be done without making a move to stop it : put up with

refused to tolerate such treatment

2

: to withstand the action of

plants that tolerate drought

tolerate a drug

toleration

ˌtäl-ə-ˈrā-shən

noun

Medical Definition

tolerate

transitive verb

tol·​er·​ate ˈtäl-ə-ˌrāt 

tolerated; tolerating

: to endure or resist the action of (as a drug or food) without serious side effects or discomfort : exhibit physiological tolerance for

a premature baby … does not tolerate fats very well

—H. R. Litchfield & L. H. Dembo