What does "intolerant" mean?
One who is intolerant; a bigot.
Intolerant
/ɪnˈtɑləɹənt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who is intolerant; a bigot.
- Grammar: intolerant is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: ageist, antipathetic, authoritarian, averse.
- Useful contrasts: broad questions, cultural acceptance, diversity advocate.
- Usage evidence: He is intolerant of opposition.
How to use "intolerant"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "intolerant" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "intolerant" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "intolerant" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "intolerant" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "intolerant" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ageist" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "intolerant", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who is intolerant; a bigot.
"[…] a portion of the prejudice which darkened the spirits of these intolerants, might perhaps have cast its shadow over him."
Adjective
- 1 Unable or indisposed to tolerate, endure or bear.
- 2 Unable to digest food or be given substances of a certain composition without adverse effects. often, postpositional
"Near-synonym: allergic"
- 3 Not tolerant; close-minded about new or different ideas; indisposed to tolerate contrary opinions or beliefs; impatient of dissent or opposition; denying or refusing the right of private opinion or choice in others; inclined to persecute or suppress dissent.
"Whilſt Congregationaliſts in England were complaining of the intolerant ſpirit of Epiſcopalians there"
Adjective
- 1 narrow-minded about cherished opinions wordnet
- 2 unwilling to tolerate difference of opinion wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"He is intolerant of opposition."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "intolerant"?
Common synonyms include: ageist, antipathetic, authoritarian, averse, balking, balky.
How do you use "intolerant" in a sentence?
He is intolerant of opposition.
How do you pronounce "intolerant"?
Pronounced /ɪnˈtɑləɹənt/.
Etymology
First attested in the first half of the 18th century; either borrowed from French intolérant (early 17th century) or from its source, Latin intolerāns. By surface analysis, in- + tolerant (itself only attested from the 1780s).