Synonym Chooser

How does the verb tolerate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of tolerate are abide, bear, endure, stand, and suffer. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

When would abide be a good substitute for tolerate?

While the synonyms abide and tolerate are close in meaning, abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When is it sensible to use bear instead of tolerate?

The synonyms bear and tolerate are sometimes interchangeable, but bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

When could endure be used to replace tolerate?

The words endure and tolerate can be used in similar contexts, but endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

Where would stand be a reasonable alternative to tolerate?

In some situations, the words stand and tolerate are roughly equivalent. However, stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When can suffer be used instead of tolerate?

While in some cases nearly identical to tolerate, suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

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 tolerate Despite these risks, for long-term investors with a 3–5 year horizon who can tolerate volatility, Meta at current levels may still offer an appealing entry into the expanding AI theme. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 This oak tolerates many soil types. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025 Fear reshapes what people are willing to tolerate. Aron Solomon september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 These actions will not be tolerated. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tolerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tolerate
Verb
  • Field believes one of the key intersections between AI and design is that AI tools will help broaden access, letting more people become designers.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Don’t let kids run away from the bear.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her surprise arrival was a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of friendship, even in life’s hardest moments.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • In one of the many ugly performances the Yankees endured in their tumble from first place and Judge was throwing gingerly in a 12-5 loss to the Phillies.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Yet a first-of-its-kind analysis of permit applications to the Railroad Commission of Texas, the state’s main oil and gas regulator, reveals a rubber-stamp system that allows drillers to emit vast amounts of natural gas into the atmosphere.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025
  • At certain angles, the photo’s dark backdrop allows viewers to see the reflection of former President Barack Obama’s portrait that depicts him surrounded by greenery and flowers representing Chicago and Hawaii.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For the high court to accept a petition to hear full arguments, four of the nine justices must vote to grant certiorari.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • On Wednesday night, the president asked the Supreme Court to quickly accept and rule on an appeal seeking to overturn the lower court decision.
    Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Still, sometimes the heat is impossible to ignore — evident in the small sweat stains on Dinkel’s blue collared shirt.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Carrie Severino, president of the conservative advocacy group Judicial Crisis Network, previously told the Washington Examiner that the justices have made recent orders more explicit and clear as lower court judges have ignored the Supreme Court’s previous orders on its emergency docket.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • A lot of people were outside standing for over an hour (including myself) in the humidity with hopes to get inside early for restrooms/concessions.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The pressure is always on the taker, the player standing, gulping, trying desperately not to unload their lunch onto the turf, preparing to do something theoretically simple — kick the ball into the net from 12 yards with only one opponent able to stop them.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems with thermal imaging and infrared capability are in use and night-capable aircraft are available to support crews overnight if needed and as conditions permit.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • But permitting delays and local resistance remain obstacles.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Bowlan will go over different notes from the pitching staff and check in with his veteran teammates for advice on pitch selection and how to handle high-leverage situations.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Canales likely doesn’t want to cause an issue, especially this early in the season, by mandating how the defensive play-caller handles his various rotations and depth chart.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tolerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tolerate. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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