SUFFERANCE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

sufferance

noun

ˈsə-f(ə-)rən(t)s

Definition of sufferance

as in permission

the approval by someone in authority for the doing of something was pointedly reminded that he was at the private beach on sufferance and could be kicked out at any time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in patience

the capacity to endure what is difficult or disagreeable without complaining spending a whole day with my airheaded sister-in-law is beyond sufferance

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 sufferance Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled. — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025 Through his cult of personality, Modi is fulfilling a century-old project, recasting India as a Hindu nation, in which minorities, particularly Muslims, live at the sufferance of the majority. — Samanth Subramanian Vikas Adam Tanya Pérez Zachary Mouton, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024 Air India’s nationalization signaled that in independent India private enterprise would survive on the government’s sufferance. — Sadanand Dhume, WSJ, 14 Oct. 2021 In the music of Beethoven, there is such an ethical, moral integrity … and power and sufferance. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 10 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sufferance

Noun

The mini mart gave permission to The Original Goodie Shop bakery in Upper Arlington to use its logo on a signature cookie, with $1 from each one sold going to support Beaver's legal fees.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Tracey Bogan said in a January lawsuit that her horse Kodak suffered an eye injury at Reform Stables in Charlotte when Desmon Moore, who runs the boarding and equine event business, rode him without permission last Christmas.

— Amber Gaudet Updated August 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of permission

Noun

Culture Minister Isaac Tchiakpé rejected RSF’s assertion that the filmmakers had received authorization from his ministry to carry out the documentary shoot.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Without work authorizations and the ability to drive, many have chosen for now, to remain home behind closed doors.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of authorization

Noun

However, entrepreneurs who take a more conservative growth approach with their startups are less likely to align with investors who have a low tolerance for prolonged unprofitability.

— Richard Ceffalio, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
According to two of McCollough’s friends, Watts believed there should be no difference in their dosage amounts, despite their significant differences in tolerance levels and physical size.

— Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of tolerance

Noun

Idolizing the American founding, the Claremonters propose radical, counterrevolutionary action to restore government by consent, shatter the administrative state, and cultivate civic virtue.

— Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
The doctor involved denied performing procedures without patients' consent.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of consent

Browse Nearby Words

sufferable

sufferance

sufferances

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“Sufferance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sufferance. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sufferance

noun

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