INTOLERABLE Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

intolerable

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈtä-lə-rə-bəl

Definition of intolerable

as in unbearable

more than can be put up with this stifling heat is intolerable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excessive

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount the intolerable haste with which the press passed judgment on the accused

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 intolerable Indeed, major infrastructure reforms are more likely to happen because the status quo is intolerable than because someone diligently explained the benefits. — Justin Worland, Time, 25 July 2026 Gérald Marie potentially raped dozens of young women between the 1980s and the 2000s, acting with a sense of total impunity and within an utterly intolerable culture of rape. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 July 2026 The goal, the former official explained, was to make life in such a place so intolerable that detainees would be compelled to leave the country altogether. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 There were short wait times for groups in front of us on a Friday evening, but not intolerable. — Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intolerable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intolerable

Adjective

Now, the defining image of the death penalty in 2026 is a woman strapped to a gurney, in unbearable agony, being tortured by prison officials tasked with killing her but unable to do so.

— Maya Foa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
When murder escalates from a scheme to action, her secret becomes an unbearable burden to carry.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of unbearable

Adjective

During their interviews, Haddock said the researchers found a lack of recognition by firefighters that their consumption levels were considered excessive.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Inland, southern San Bernardino County faces at least a 40% chance of excessive rain that could result in flash flooding through Saturday night, said Julie Phillipson, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Las Vegas.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Shipping costs have become so extreme that oil producers and even commodities traders are looking to own their own tankers to control the expenses.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Following the original movie’s unique approach to the slasher genre that put the audience in the killer’s perspective, the sequel will expand on Johnny’s lore and deliver more brutally extreme and creative kills.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of extreme

Adjective

The shoes’ steep pitch angle provides an aggressive, dramatic curve at the arch, delivering the Barbie feet effect.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
In some areas, the river is flanked on both sides by steep limestone cliffs, and up and down the region, people have to trek through inhospitable desert terrain to get to the nearest paved road or pass through Border Patrol checkpoints.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of steep

Adjective

Sleek and extravagant, Rosewood Abu Dhabi provides a dramatic welcome, with architecture that calls to mind an undulating desert.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Known for its dark humor and groundbreaking CGI, Death Becomes Her astounds with ornate design detail and extravagant furnishings.

— Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Browse Nearby Words

intolerability

intolerable

intolerably

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Intolerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intolerable. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of intolerable

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes