intolerance

noun

in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˌ)in-ˈtä-lə-rən(t)s How to pronounce intolerance (audio)
-ˈtäl-rən(t)s
Synonyms of intolerancenext
1
: the quality or state of being intolerant
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug)
specifically : inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance

Synonyms of intolerance

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Examples of intolerance in a Sentence

a group whose mission is to oppose intolerance and extremism
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In a study published in 2019, Kendall and his colleagues showed that the more a child’s uncertainty intolerance was reduced by treatment, the more their anxiety fell and their ability to function improved. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Histamine intolerance is when histamine from food overwhelms the body’s ability to break it down, Hwang explained. — Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026 In 1932, Carlos (Milo Quifes) is a young man in Grenada at a time when Spain is lurching uncomfortably towards an ever-increasing spiteful intolerance of homosexuality. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Paying attention to which foods trigger certain symptoms may help identify potential food sensitivities or intolerances, LaValle noted. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intolerance

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intolerance was in 1765

Phrases Containing intolerance

Rhymes for intolerance

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Browse Nearby Words

intolerable
intolerance
intolerancy
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Cite this Entry

“Intolerance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intolerance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intolerance

noun
in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtäl-(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce intolerance (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being intolerant
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a drug or food)

Medical Definition

intolerance

noun
in·​tol·​er·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtäl(-ə)-rən(t)s How to pronounce intolerance (audio)
1
: lack of an ability to endure
an intolerance to light
2
: exceptional sensitivity (as to a food or drug)
specifically : inability to properly metabolize or absorb a substance
glucose intolerance
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