toleration

American  

[tol-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌtɒl əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of tolerating, especially of what is not actually approved; forbearance.

   to show toleration toward the protesters.

2. permission by law or government of the exercise of religions other than an established religion; noninterference in matters of private faith and worship.

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toleration British  

/ ˌtɒləˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or practice of tolerating

2. freedom to hold religious opinions that differ from the established or prescribed religion of a country

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Related Words

See tolerance.

Other Word Forms

• nontoleration noun
• supertoleration noun
• tolerationism noun
• tolerationist noun

Etymology

Origin of toleration

First recorded in 1510–20, toleration is from the Latin word tolerātiōn- (stem of tolerātiō ). See tolerate, -ion

Explanation

Toleration is the practice of allowing or putting up with something, especially if you disagree with it. Religious toleration is an important founding principle of the United States. When you tolerate something, allowing it to exist without interfering, you could say you're practicing either toleration or tolerance. Toleration tends to be used when this permission is more reluctant; if the majority of a nation's citizens practice one religion, and they very grudgingly allow other minority religions to be practiced, that's toleration. Originally defined as "permission granted by authority," toleration has a Latin root meaning "to bear or endure."

Example Sentences

Mr. George rightly regards any toleration of antisemitism as a violation of principles that can’t be compromised, as he spelled out in a Facebook statement that’s well worth reading:

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

Mr. Persico mentions that Martin Luther hated Jews and persecuted heretics, and he acknowledges that Locke excluded Catholics and atheists from toleration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

His famous letter on religious toleration argues that the state must never impose a religion on the people.

From Salon • May 26, 2024

In the religious realm, it came to stand for toleration and a removal of sectarian passions from public life.

From Salon • Sep. 9, 2023

She did care what the servants thought: “Whether the servants know you as you are and do not take your opinions as any guide for theirs—whether they learn toleration in short.”

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman