tolerance
noun
tol·er·ance
ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s 
ˈtäl-rən(t)s
2
a
: sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own
b
: the act of allowing something : toleration
3
: the allowable deviation from a standard
especially
: the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified dimension in machining a piece
4
a(1)
: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (such as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure
developed a tolerance to painkillers
also
: the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
(2)
: relative capacity of an organism to grow or thrive when subjected to an unfavorable environmental factor
b
: the maximum amount of a pesticide residue that may lawfully remain on or in food
Examples of tolerance in a Sentence
a tolerance for other lifestyles
The plants have a high tolerance for heat.
Some patients gradually develop a tolerance for the drug and need to be given a larger dose.
Some patients develop greater tolerance for the drug's effects.
Recent Examples on the Web
Starliner was still leaking helium when the spacecraft undocked from the station Friday, but the leak rate remained within safety tolerances, according to Stich.
—
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Sep. 2024
Establish a regular cadence to review your cyber risk tolerance and strategy.
—Raja Patel, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024
The drama is very much of its moment, or dated, depending on your tolerance for Vidal’s eloquent, backstabby gossip.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2024
Plus, Vance’s risk tolerance is typical for his age, advisers said.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tolerance 
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Sep. 2024
Establish a regular cadence to review your cyber risk tolerance and strategy.
—Raja Patel, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024
The drama is very much of its moment, or dated, depending on your tolerance for Vidal’s eloquent, backstabby gossip.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2024
Plus, Vance’s risk tolerance is typical for his age, advisers said.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tolerance
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tolerance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tolerance
Cite this Entry
“Tolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tolerance
noun
tol·er·ance
ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s
1
a
: ability to put up with something harmful or unpleasant
b
: the ability to adjust to a food or drug so that its effects are experienced less strongly
2
: sympathy for or acceptance of feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from one's own
Medical Definition
tolerance
noun
tol·er·ance
ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s
1
: the capacity of the body to endure or become less responsive to a substance (as a drug) or a physiological insult especially with repeated use or exposure
developed a tolerance to painkillers
2
: the immunological state marked by unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
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