1
as in expression
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling
a pleasant countenance that puts visitors at ease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in face
the front part of the head
a fairly pretty countenance
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper
the EMT's purposeful countenance was in stark contrast to everyone else's hysteria
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to accept
to have a favorable opinion of
I don't countenance such behavior in children of any age
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to tolerate
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
countenanced the delays and inconveniences of traveling by air with good grace
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 countenance
Audrey Wollen, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
His face, much like Abby’s (Kaitlyn Dever) dour, unforgiving countenance, is not that of a happy man.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
But Israel has refused to countenance any Hamas control in Gaza, while Hamas has shown little appetite for disbanding its battalions of armed fighters or sending its Gaza leaders into exile.
—Rawan Sheikh Ahmad, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
The stories sit like figures in a painting by Alice Neel, if all the camaraderie in Neel’s work were drained out: staring straight ahead, some steely, some yearning, countenances slightly askew, drawn with thick streaks of candor, elbows jutting sideways.
—Audrey Wollen, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
His face, much like Abby’s (Kaitlyn Dever) dour, unforgiving countenance, is not that of a happy man.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
Verb
And with Tottenham 16 points clear of the bottom three, there is no more talk of a relegation battle, even if Postecoglou never countenanced that himself.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
But Israel has refused to countenance any Hamas control in Gaza, while Hamas has shown little appetite for disbanding its battalions of armed fighters or sending its Gaza leaders into exile.
—Rawan Sheikh Ahmad, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
The Leo moon enhances an outspoken and sunny disposition until someone challenges your expression.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
-
But the Kentucky distillery has many other whiskeys in its lineup, aside from its ultra-aged expressions.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Another popular and much-loved face of Fast and Furious alongside Diesel was Paul Walker, who passed away in a tragic car accident in 2013.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
Wear a hat: A hat with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) that's large enough to shade the lower half of your face can also help protect your lips.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Beating Indiana to even the series in Game 4 on the road, then holding their composure to win Game 7 at home, would be harder than opening a bottle of Champagne.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
23 June 2025
-
Their average rotation age was among the youngest ever for a champion, and yet their composure never wavered under the bright lights.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
Both are accepting new patients at Franciscan Physician Network Glendale Health Center, 1101 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101, in Valparaiso.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
-
This includes actions such as cyberattacks, use of drones or sabotage tools, and accepting funds from foreign intelligence, even without taking action.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
This instills a culture of collaborative leadership, where differing styles aren’t just tolerated, they’re valued.—
Thierry Brunel,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
The monthly injection was poorly tolerated, but the ongoing phase 3 study is designed to improve side effects.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
For an increasing number of companies, reasoning models (AI that thinks through problems rather than just following commands) are making traditional prospecting look as outdated as a Rolodex.—
Aditya Lahiri,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
For her makeup, Vonn tapped Edward Cruz, the visionary behind actor and musical star Darren Criss’ 2025 Tony Awards visage.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
17 June 2025
-
The 808s feel like drowning in a volcano, my skin peeling off as the visage of Satan reveals itself.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
The New York Mets are enduring a harsh stretch of the season and fans are getting frustrated.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
-
And yet for the most part, prevailing institutions, groupings, and rules endured.—
REBECCA LISSNER,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share