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

Two high-profile shows at the same time—and yet, her countenance displays no sign of exhaustion. — Dennis Braatz, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026

This condition cannot be met by utilitarianism, because that ethical theory would countenance forms of government in which the greater happiness of a majority is achieved by neglecting the rights and interests of a minority. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Mar. 2026

Verb

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

These may be luxuries that only an almost-unlimited budget would countenance. — Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

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