intolerant

[in-tol-er-uhnt]

adjective

1. not tolerating or respecting beliefs, opinions, usages, manners, etc., different from one's own, as in political or religious matters; bigoted.

   Synonyms: totalitarian, dictatorial, biased, prejudiced, proscriptive, narrow, illiberal
   Antonyms: liberal

2. unable or unwilling to tolerate or endure (usually followed byof ).

   intolerant of very hot weather.

3. unable to fully digest or absorb a specified food or drug (used postpositively or in combination).

   lactose intolerant; aspirin-intolerant.

noun

1. an intolerant person; bigot.

intolerant

/ ɪnˈtɒlərənt /

adjective

1. lacking respect for practices and beliefs other than one's own

2. not able or willing to tolerate or endure

   intolerant of noise

Other Word Forms

• intolerantly adverb
• quasi-intolerant adjective
• quasi-intolerantly adverb
• intolerance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intolerant¹

1725–35; < Latin intolerant- (stem of intolerāns ) impatient. See in- ³, tolerant

Synonym Study

Intolerant, fanatical, bigoted refer to strongly illiberal attitudes. Intolerant refers to an active refusal to allow others to have or put into practice beliefs different from one's own: intolerant in politics; intolerant of other customs. Bigoted is to be so emotionally or subjectively attached to one's own belief as to be hostile to all others: a bigoted person. Fanatical applies to unreasonable or extreme action in maintaining one's beliefs and practices without necessary reference to others: a fanatical religious sect.

Example Sentences

Along with Target, five other major retailers announced recalls this week — including several particularly pertinent to shoppers who have Celiac or are gluten intolerant.

From Salon

Their innuendo-laden pop anthem Milkshake Man had received a warm reception ahead of the contest but, on the night, viewers proved to be lactose intolerant.

From BBC

To his supporters, Erdogan has brought Turkey years of economic growth, but to his critics he is an autocratic leader intolerant of dissent who harshly silences anyone who opposes him.

From BBC

Some UK employees fear Trump's rhetoric could normalise intolerant attitudes in the workplace, even if DEI policies remain intact.

From BBC

At one time or another, you've probably come across someone who is lactose intolerant and might experience some unpleasant gut symptoms if they have dairy.

From Salon

Related Words

• biased 
• bigoted 
• dictatorial 
• disdainful 
• dogmatic 
• fanatical 
• fractious 
• hateful 
• indignant 
• irritable 
• racist 
• xenophobic