tolerable

adjective

ˈtä-lə-rə-bəl How to pronounce tolerable (audio)
Definition of tolerablenext
1
as in endurable
capable of being endured stubbing your toe is at least a more tolerable pain than breaking your foot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adequate
of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards the accommodations are tolerable though not exactly luxurious

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tolerable That study, which tests for safety and determines the most effective and tolerable size of a dose, is needed before the vaccine can be tested in the field in a larger efficacy trial. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 22 July 2026 The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for magnesium from supplements and medications is 350 milligrams (mg) per day. — Kirstyn Hill, Health, 14 July 2026 The weather was tolerable in the morning, but by the afternoon, sweat was beading down their foreheads. — Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 And expect the real negotiation to happen less between Ankara and Tehran than between Ankara and Washington, over what payment mechanism, if any, is tolerable. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tolerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tolerable
  1. endurable
  2. adequate
  3. bearable
  4. decent
  5. sustainable
  6. satisfactory
  7. fine
  8. good
Adjective
  • Two people with divergent intuitions about what’s normal, or endurable, can end up tussling over the same territory.
    — Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
  • Recognizing this makes the feeling more endurable.
    — Daniel Smith, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of endurable
Adjective
  • Emergency department staff and EMS workers sometimes don’t have adequate training to recognize postpartum complications, research shows, which can be dangerous when those patients end up in an emergency room.
    — Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Giving citizens a majority gives the public adequate weight and authority over serious ethics matters.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of adequate
Adjective
  • The same moral tact might apply, in less histrionic matters, to the ordinary deceptions and silences by which social life is made bearable.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Having books or coloring supplies on hand makes longer drives more bearable (for both parents and kids).
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of bearable
Adjective
  • Toure has been decent, too, flashing down the wing and firing in crosses.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Democrats had a decent night in Florida’s nonpartisan elections, led by their wins on the Sarasota County school board.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of decent
Adjective
  • This is the second in a two-part series about sustainable tourism in Saitama.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The property also uses non-toxic, sustainable cleaning products, offers recycling programs and composting, maintains a refill station to reduce single-use plastics, and sells eco-friendly products in the retail area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sustainable
Adjective
  • By contrast, state inspection records from 2025 and the first weeks of 2026, just days after Calvo took office in January, show the city’s pool facilities were consistently rated satisfactory.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026
  • For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of satisfactory
Adjective
  • Even though his parents split more than 25 years ago, according to Us Weekly, their living arrangement worked out just fine.
    — Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • Max’s arrival is particularly propitious because Max is still sore from Nathan’s betrayal, so if Max can get on Joe’s good side by respecting his authority, Joe can reward him with the lead position.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The offense has all the pieces to be one of the league’s best.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of good

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Cite this Entry

“Tolerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tolerable. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of tolerable for Spanish Speakers

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