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
  • The Pacers went into their final home game of the season in a must-win scenario – and the entire team, from the starting five to the bench, knew the assignment at hand, running away with the game and never letting Oklahoma City sniff a chance at a comeback.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
  • Republicans will never let this dangerous idea happen.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 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
  • That allows the bill to pass with only GOP support in a Senate with 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats, but under reconciliation every aspect of the bill must meet strict criteria that prohibit extraneous provisions that don't directly impact the federal budget.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 June 2025
  • Those included allowing some mayoral vetoes to stand, including the mayor eliminating $250,000 for a homeless outreach team and $225,000 that would have revived the city’s chief operating officer position.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Both are accepting new patients at Franciscan Physician Network Glendale Health Center, 1101 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101, in Valparaiso.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • Following the Joint Conference Committee, the 21% corporate income tax rate was accepted and passed by the House and the Senate.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • 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
  • At the end of the day, get a grip people, F1 stands to open globally to $115M+.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 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
  • Hormuz handles less than 4% of global container trade, but the ports of Jebel Ali and Khor Fakkan in the UAE are critical intermediary points for global shipping networks in the region.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tolerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tolerate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tolerate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!