sufferance

noun

ˈsə-f(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce sufferance (audio)
Definition of sufferancenext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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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
  1. permission
  2. patience
  3. authorization
  4. tolerance
  5. consent
  6. granting
Noun
  • Last month, San Francisco lawmakers unanimously declared the Latin Rock House a historic landmark, formally protecting the Spanish-style home from being painted over, altered or destroyed by future owners or developers without the city's permission.
    — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Over the years, many singers, including Elvis Presley, asked for permission to record the song.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of permission
Noun
  • The Jets have no impetus to rush a trade — and Jets fans are well-versed in Cheveldayoff’s stubborn patience from Jacob Trouba’s 2016 contract holdout and trades involving Evander Kane, Trouba, Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The flames surged like a furnace, threatening to destroy her home and testing — once again — the patience of neighbors who were used to waking up to fire truck sirens.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of patience
Noun
  • Although the proposal will remain on Thursday’s agenda because of the 72-hour posting requirement, Kayatta said it will effectively be withdrawn during the meeting with authorization from Board President Tara Jeane.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Telle worked closely on the Abraham Accords and the authorization of the Space Force.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of authorization
Noun
  • Flit can mill ultra-precise, nested male-to-female sleeve joints required for adhesive bonding with a 1mm tolerance.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
  • As part of the aforementioned slow approach, twice a week is a good starting point for retinol usage, building up as the skin’s tolerance increases.
    — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of tolerance
Noun
  • He was later released on bail and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally chok[ing a] person without consent and common assault.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In some places, you may be permitted to record a conversation; in others, consent may be required.
    — William Phillips, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of consent
Noun
  • Other presidential powers include the negotiation of treaties and the granting of pardons.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Department of Homeland Security has appealed the granting of his asylum.
    — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of granting

Browse Nearby Words

sufferable
sufferance
sufferances
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Cite this Entry

“Sufferance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sufferance. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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