From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishtoleratetol‧e‧rate /ˈtɒləreɪt $ ˈtɑː-/ ●●○ verb [transitive] 1 STRICT#to allow people to do, say, or believe something without criticizing or punishing them → tolerant, tolerance We simply will not tolerate vigilante groups on our streets.2 STAND/BEARto be able to accept something unpleasant or difficult, even though you do not like it → tolerant, tolerance SYN stand, bear I couldn’t tolerate the long hours.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say stand rather than tolerate:I don’t know how she can stand working there.3 if a plant tolerates particular weather or soil conditions, it can exist in them plants that tolerate drought4 if a person or their body can tolerate a food or other substance, it can use it without becoming ill Women’s bodies can tolerate less alcohol than men’s.THESAURUStolerate verb [transitive] to accept unpleasant behaviour or an unpleasant situation, even though you do not like itWe will not tolerate any kind of racism.People tolerated corruption for years.put up with something to accept unpleasant behaviour or an unpleasant situation even though you do not like it. Put up with is less formal than tolerate, and is the usual word to use in everyday EnglishI don’t see how you can put up with the constant noise.Many people put up with poor pay and working conditions because they are afraid of losing their jobs.accept verb [transitive] to agree or deal with a situation you do not like but cannot changeShe found it hard to accept his death.stand/bear verb [transitive, not in progressive] to accept or be forced to accept an unpleasant situation – used especially about things which cause you pain or make you feel upset. Bear is more formal than standI don’t know how you’ve stood it for so long.Maisie couldn’t bear the pain any longer.How do you stand living in such a mess?take verb [transitive] informal to accept an unpleasant situation or someone’s unpleasant behaviour without becoming upsetShe was shouting at him and he just stood there and took it.I can’t take much more of this.live with something to accept a bad situation as a permanent part of your life that you cannot changeI’ve had back pain for many years and I’ve just learned to live with it.The guilt I felt was very hard to live with.endure verb [transitive] written to accept an unpleasant or difficult situation for a long timeThe victims of this war have endured tremendous pain and suffering.The refugees endured cramped and filthy conditions. → See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
tolerate• Maybe there were secret forces she could not tolerate.• For one to sue another would have been a divisive act not easily tolerated.• But adjustment went on all the same because it was the only way of making yourself tolerate a condition which you loathed.• She seems to be able to tolerate any kind of behaviour from the students.• The medication is well tolerated by most patients.• Mom tolerated Dad's smoking.• On the other hand, bridal pregnancy was widely tolerated despite the exhortations of the professional moralists.• I told him I wasn't going to tolerate his drinking any longer.• Laura tolerated his tirades because she loved him, and she forgave him everything as one forgives a child.• Some animals can tolerate human medicines like Dramamine.• Drug dealers will not be tolerated in this community.• For years the workers have had to tolerate low wages and terrible working conditions.• It will tolerate most water conditions, although very hard water may cause the fish's eyes to become cloudy.• We will not tolerate people who smile and then go ahead and take money out of our pockets.• If you can tolerate the side-effects, HRT can help the symptoms enormously.Origin tolerate (1500-1600) Latin past participle of tolerare 