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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’s a godsend and makes Los Angeles traffic jams almost tolerable. — Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Electing the right people to these public positions could ease that stress and make life more tolerable — at least that’s how representative democracy is supposed to work. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 Now the seven most boring, starting with the most tolerable (comments edited for grammar and clarity). — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 The males make harsh rapid trills that are tolerable for humans at a distance, but can be a bit unpleasant at close range. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Aug. 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
  • Lyft also doesn’t fingerprint its drivers unless required by law and doesn’t provide adequate background checks, the lawsuit alleged.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The state health department said North Carolina has an adequate supply of prophylaxis and would provide it to anyone who needs it.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of adequate
Adjective
  • To make their mission abroad bearable, the doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers of the Korean War turned to humor, especially practical jokes.
    — Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But don’t let the relatable career-girl pluck of the movie dilute the fact that this song is pissed off about capitalism, even as its hooks make the grind of working life more bearable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of bearable
Adjective
  • Food and drink The property’s on-site restaurant serves decent New American fare in a room that offers the same excellent views as the penthouses, or on the hotel’s delightful terrace during the warmer months.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Iwelumo was a decent, albeit nomadic, forward who played professionally for almost two decades.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of decent
Adjective
  • This is also a mechanism that can support the scaling and financing of new industrial companies in clean tech, and the investment in new sustainable technologies.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The most effective approach to blood sugar management is one that provides balanced nutrition while being sustainable and enjoyable over the long term.
    — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of sustainable
Adjective
  • Not ready for prime time The video-generation technology rarely gets the content right on its first try, Sun said, adding that her team takes at least 10 attempts to create a satisfactory 15-second clip.
    — Ling Wei, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The ride quality in my tester was more than satisfactory; a good thing given the infamous Atlanta traffic.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of satisfactory
Adjective
  • Unlike a conventional inkjet printer, aerosol jet printing turns liquid ink into a fine mist.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The long grains, fine as hair, are pulled together, at intervals, jointed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • Godspell opened in March 1973 to pretty good reviews and disappointing box office.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Most credit cards have variable interest rates that track the prime rate banks charge their best customers.
    — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of good

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tolerability
tolerable
tolerably
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Cite this Entry

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

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