tolerance
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for tolerance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Acceptance of beliefs, practices, or people different from one's own, without prejudice.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use tolerance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French "tolerance," from Latin "tolerantia" ("endurance"), from "tolerō" ("to endure").
Full origin of tolerance →Frequently asked questions
What does “tolerance” mean?
The word “tolerance” means acceptance of beliefs, practices, or people different from one's own, without prejudice. In plain terms, the ability to put up with something — whether that's other people's beliefs, a drug's effects, or an engineering measurement's built-in wiggle room.
How do you pronounce “tolerance”?
“Tolerance” is pronounced TOL-uh-ruhns (/ˈtɑ.lə.ɹəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “tolerance” in a sentence?
Here is “tolerance” used in a sentence: “The school promotes tolerance of different cultures and religions.”
What is the opposite of “tolerance”?
The opposite of “tolerance” — its antonyms — is intolerance.
What part of speech is “tolerance”?
“Tolerance” is a noun.
Where does the word “tolerance” come from?
The word “tolerance” comes from Latin. From Old French "tolerance," from Latin "tolerantia" ("endurance"), from "tolerō" ("to endure").
Is “tolerance” a common word?
“Tolerance” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tolerance” have?
“Tolerance” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: acceptance of beliefs, practices, or people different from one's own, without prejudice.
What is the difference between tolerance and acceptance?
Tolerance means allowing beliefs, practices, or people different from your own without prejudice, even if you privately disagree with them. Acceptance goes a step further and implies genuine approval or welcome. In short, you can tolerate something you dislike, but accepting it suggests you embrace it.
What is the difference between drug tolerance and drug dependence?
Tolerance is the body's capacity to endure or resist a substance, so a regular dose gradually produces a weaker effect and a larger amount is needed for the same result. Dependence means the body has adapted to the substance so strongly that it reacts badly when the substance is withdrawn. A person can develop tolerance to a drug without being dependent on it.
What is a tolerance in engineering and manufacturing?
In engineering, a tolerance is the permitted amount of variation from a standard measurement — the margin by which a finished part may acceptably differ from its specified dimension. Tight tolerances demand greater precision and usually make a part more expensive to produce.
Is tolerance the same as patience?
No. Patience is the ability to wait or endure delay calmly without becoming annoyed, while tolerance is the acceptance of beliefs, practices, or people different from one's own, or the capacity to endure something such as pain or a drug. You show patience in a slow queue but tolerance toward opinions you disagree with.