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
Individual responses to fentanyl can vary based on the person’s tolerance to the drug, as well as physical and genetic characteristics.
—
Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
But saying that, people also seem to have a lot less tolerance for talking to people who are bad actors or are trying to spread this information.
—Leah Feiger, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
Advertisement World & Nation Inside Club Q: Drag queens, dancing, tolerance shattered by gunfire.
—Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tolerance 
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Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
But saying that, people also seem to have a lot less tolerance for talking to people who are bad actors or are trying to spread this information.
—Leah Feiger, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024
Advertisement World & Nation Inside Club Q: Drag queens, dancing, tolerance shattered by gunfire.
—Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tolerance
Dictionary Entries Near tolerance
Cite this Entry
“Tolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance. Accessed 28 Nov. 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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