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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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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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
  • That’s the kind of patience Freeman can preach to his latest freshman class.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The artist describes marquetry as moderately difficult, requiring patience, precision, and a steady hand.
    — Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of patience
Noun
  • Alongside earnings back in May, Nvidia announced an $80 billion buyback authorization and a quarterly dividend increase to 25 cents per share from 1 cent.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The authorization vote does not mean educators will begin striking yet.
    — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 27 Aug. 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
  • 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
Noun
  • The Department of Homeland Security has appealed the granting of his asylum.
    — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • While the granting or denial of a stay might sound like legal jargon, there are real-world implications at stake.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of granting

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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 2 Sep. 2026.

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