1
as in endurable
capable of being endured
stubbing your toe is at least a more tolerable pain than breaking your foot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adequate
of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards
the accommodations are tolerable though not exactly luxurious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 tolerable
The fermentation process reduces gluten, which may make sourdough more tolerable for people with minor gluten sensitivities.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 13 Apr. 2026
In the study, German researchers discovered that temperature is the decisive factor in the beetles' tolerable living conditions, and is far more important than food supply or soil moisture, for example.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026
Each individual increase feels tolerable – annoying, maybe, but not catastrophic.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Burke had his critics, such as Mary Wollstonecraft, who believed that Burke’s argument on behalf of the beauty of tradition sought to make oppression and inequality tolerable.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tolerable
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 13 Apr. 2026
In the study, German researchers discovered that temperature is the decisive factor in the beetles' tolerable living conditions, and is far more important than food supply or soil moisture, for example.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026
Each individual increase feels tolerable – annoying, maybe, but not catastrophic.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Burke had his critics, such as Mary Wollstonecraft, who believed that Burke’s argument on behalf of the beauty of tradition sought to make oppression and inequality tolerable.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tolerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tolerable
Adjective
-
The former, which would prohibit defense contractors from using Claude in their government workflows, was annoying for Anthropic, but endurable.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Recognizing this makes the feeling more endurable.—
Daniel Smith,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Passanisi assured them there would be adequate fencing.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Make sure new plant selections have adequate room to grow.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The new seat design comes alongside other innovations that could make economy air travel more bearable.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
-
With all that in mind, San Joaquin County officials are trying to at least make super-commutes more bearable.—
Connor Letourneau,
San Francisco Chronicle,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Giants came into the season with a decent enough outlook for the year.—
David Troy OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
There’s a similar hope for Bielefeld, a 6-3 wing who played a decent amount during her freshman season.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Set a clear pace today and protect your energy so your work stays steady and sustainable.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
According to the webpage, MidnighTreats also prides itself in using sustainable supplies, such as compostable cups, cornstarch utensils, aluminum water bottles and paper straws.—
Jane Godiner,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Quatraro asked for clarification and left the field without a satisfactory expression.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The defense was more than satisfactory in subduing the league’s top offense.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These are the finest margins that tight matches like these can be decided on.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
On Friday night, Richardson put together his finest effort of the season, reaching 49 feet, 7 inches on his final hop, step and jump at the Escondido Invitational — traditionally the final invitational of the season.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Here are The Denver Post’s 20 best fits remaining for the Broncos through rounds four, five, six, seven and beyond, if Denver indeed wants to have a good day Saturday.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Just being able to be available every single day and also just bring energy and be a good clubhouse guy.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tolerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tolerable. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
