tolerate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to allow the existence, presence, practice, or act of without prohibition or hindrance; permit.
-
to endure without repugnance; put up with.
I can tolerate laziness, but not incompetence.
-
Medicine/Medical. to endure or resist the action of (a drug, poison, etc.).
-
Obsolete. to experience, undergo, or sustain, as pain or hardship.
verb
-
to treat with indulgence, liberality, or forbearance
-
to permit
-
to be able to bear; put up with
-
med to have tolerance for (a drug, poison, etc)
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tolerate
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin tolerātus “borne,” past participle of tolerāre “to bear”; akin to thole 2
Explanation
The verb tolerate means "to put up with or allow." You can tolerate your sister's love of Broadway musicals but really, you prefer dramas. Think of tolerate as the open-minded verb. It means you allow something to happen or exist, even if you don't really like it. For example, you don't like your neighbor's loud music but you tolerate because he only blasts it on Saturday afternoons. Scientifically speaking, when your body can tolerate a drug, poison or even pollution, it means you aren't harmed by it.
Vocabulary lists containing tolerate
Bud, Not Buddy
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Watsons Go to Birmingham
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
List 5
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I’ve been to my share of fancy Vegas eateries but found plenty to enjoy, or at least tolerate, if you don’t want to pad your vacation bill with extras.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
It told the BBC it did not tolerate violence or aggression of any kind and said appropriate sanctions will always be taken.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
"Hate has no place in California, and we will not tolerate acts of terror or intimidation against communities of faith," he said on X, adding, "To the San Diego Muslim community: California stands with you."
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
"In pancreatic cancer, MYC appears to help tumors tolerate extreme stress," Sears said.
From Science Daily • May 17, 2026
Few people could tolerate the gray zone for long, but this was the place where George Blake found his true calling—and his real powers as a spy.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
