Synonyms of countenance

countenance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tᵊn-ən(t)s 

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

• expression
• look
• smile
• face
• grin
• visage
• cast
• scowl
• grimace
• frown
• mouth
• presence
• demeanor
• appearance
• manner
• bearing
• pout
• air
• mien
• lower
• aspect

2

as in face

the front part of the head

a fairly pretty countenance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• face
• visage
• appearance
• presence
• looks
• puss
• pan
• features
• expression
• kisser
• mug
• mien
• lineaments
• aspect
• physiognomy

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

• composure
• equanimity
• calmness
• collectedness
• imperturbability
• sangfroid
• self-possession
• serenity
• equilibrium
• coolness
• placidity
• assurance
• tranquilness
• aplomb
• repose
• composedness
• tranquility
• confidence
• cool
• self-composedness
• self-assurance
• self-confidence
• indifference
• impassivity
• poise
• unconcern
• self-assuredness
• phlegm
• numbness
• insensibility
• self-trust
• detachment
• apathy
• laid-backness
• easygoingness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• perturbation
• agitation
• concern
• care
• anxiety
• apprehension
• discomposure
• solicitude
• uneasiness
• worry
• alarm
• disquiet
• nervousness
• apprehensiveness
• excitability
• anxiousness
• disturbance
• excitableness

countenance

2 of 2

verb

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

• accept
• tolerate
• favor
• support
• approve (of)
• like
• subscribe (to)
• go for
• care (for)
• enjoy
• hold with
• applaud
• sustain
• OK
• praise
• uphold
• take kindly to
• salute
• endure
• recommend
• concur (in)
• stand by
• commend
• consent (to)
• laud
• bear
• back (up)
• acclaim
• assent (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• criticize
• condemn
• disapprove (of)
• denounce
• frown (on or upon)
• censure
• discountenance
• disparage
• mind
• depreciate
• deprecate
• damn
• dislike
• hate
• oppose
• disfavor
• detest
• object (to)
• reprehend
• reprobate
• loathe
• blacklist
• dissent (from)

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

• tolerate
• accept
• endure
• stand
• handle
• take
• bear
• sustain
• absorb
• abide
• stomach
• swallow
• wear
• meet
• brook
• support
• stand for
• live with
• lump (it)
• hack
• bide
• stick out
• suffer
• sweat out
• permit
• tough it out
• go
• allow
• pocket
• acquiesce
• reconcile (to)
• respect
• yield (to)
• submit (to)
• consent (to)
• agree (with or to)
• capitulate
• assent (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• reject
• dismiss
• repudiate
• resist
• decline
• oppose
• fight
• combat
• avoid
• spurn
• escape
• contest
• turn down
• evade
• miss
• circumvent
• bypass
• refrain (from)
• elude
• forbear
• dodge
• abstain (from)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of countenance

Noun

McVay had spent the previous availability explaining the reason for his somber and dour countenance during an awkward news conference the night before. — Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

His spirit and countenance is right. — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 29 May 2026

Verb

In addition, there is something about the crime that Lasdun, who is himself married with children, cannot countenance. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

So, like Croatia, who turned to 40-year-old Luka Modric in their opening game against England, and Portugal, who could not countenance being without Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, in their opener, Bosnia reached for their own vintage performer. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 June 2026

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