toleration

American  

[tol-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌtɒl əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of tolerating, especially of what is not actually approved; forbearance.

   to show toleration toward the protesters.

2. permission by law or government of the exercise of religions other than an established religion; noninterference in matters of private faith and worship.

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toleration British  

/ ˌtɒləˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or practice of tolerating

2. freedom to hold religious opinions that differ from the established or prescribed religion of a country

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Related Words

See tolerance.

Other Word Forms

• nontoleration noun
• supertoleration noun
• tolerationism noun
• tolerationist noun

Etymology

Origin of toleration

First recorded in 1510–20, toleration is from the Latin word tolerātiōn- (stem of tolerātiō ). See tolerate, -ion

Example Sentences

According to Mr. Mansfield, this process culminates in the blend of limited government, economic commerce and religious toleration typically described as liberal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Mr. Persico mentions that Martin Luther hated Jews and persecuted heretics, and he acknowledges that Locke excluded Catholics and atheists from toleration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

His famous letter on religious toleration argues that the state must never impose a religion on the people.

From Salon • May 26, 2024

In the religious realm, it came to stand for toleration and a removal of sectarian passions from public life.

From Salon • Sep. 9, 2023

She did care what the servants thought: “Whether the servants know you as you are and do not take your opinions as any guide for theirs—whether they learn toleration in short.”

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman