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 It is often used when a person has vomiting or diarrhea and cannot tolerate most food. Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 June 2025 Kale tolerates light freezes and cold temperatures enhance the flavor of their foliage. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 June 2025 Holloway is deeply troubled by Lockard's actions and said such behavior will not be tolerated, the release states. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025 Leaks will not be tolerated and this will be investigated. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tolerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tolerate
Verb
  • That work stopped after all the federal staff who coordinate it were let go in April.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • It was meant to encourage community and creativity, letting users showcase interesting prompts and responses.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The New York Mets are enduring a harsh stretch of the season and fans are getting frustrated.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • And yet for the most part, prevailing institutions, groupings, and rules endured.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • But the parliamentarian did allow Republicans to keep a 10-year moratorium on state laws regulating artificial intelligence.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 24 June 2025
  • Congress must create a proper immigration process and allow these good people to stay.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • No liability is accepted by Fairlead Strategies, its officers, employees, affiliates, or partners for any losses that may arise from any use of the information contained herein.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 30 June 2025
  • Her husband Skip Clemmons accepted the award in her honor.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Those who depend on freewheeling and shoot-from-the-hip strategies and tactics to address a crisis are ignoring or disregarding fundamental crisis management best practices that favor a calm, deliberate, and thoughtful approach.
    Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • While Paladino’s nonsense was rightfully ignored, a letter from a member of the House majority to the AG may not be ignored, especially this AG, especially under this president.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The 38% response has been trending downward unevenly, and in 2024, using a different methodology, 20% said the US stands above, while 55% said there were other countries that were also great.
    Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • But at least one part of the budget bill stands to help the less fortunate, while still bringing smiles to the faces of the investor class.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • Cooper noted that only personal items like a purse or brief briefcase are permitted, so don’t bring rolling bags, luggage and other unapproved items.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • From floral arrangements to first dances, every detail matters—and at Walters Wedding Estates, every detail is handled with care, transparency, and a passion for making those dreams come true.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 23 June 2025
  • His approval on handling inflation and the cost of living has also fallen by nearly 6 points in the same period.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tolerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tolerate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tolerate

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