COUNTENANCE Synonyms: 190 Similar and Opposite Words

countenance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tᵊn-ən(t)s

Definition of countenance

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

as in face

the front part of the head a fairly pretty countenance

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in composure

evenness of emotions or temper the EMT's purposeful countenance was in stark contrast to everyone else's hysteria

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

countenance

2 of 2

verb

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

as in to tolerate

to put up with (something painful or difficult) countenanced the delays and inconveniences of traveling by air with good grace

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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 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

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 See All Example Sentences for countenance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance

Noun

Photographed and directed by Gabriel Moses, the campaign brings each icon into sharp focus, placing them at the center of a crowd as a powerful expression of individuality.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Some movements feel unnatural, facial expressions are exaggerated, and small details occasionally fall into the uncanny valley or break rules of logical consistency.

— Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of expression

Noun

This one was carved from a block of limestone and features a slender face with a long nose and a tiny, smiling mouth.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
As always, Howerton is the cast MVP, with his elastic, expressive face selling all of probable-serial killer Dennis’s most hyperbolic reactions.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of face

Verb

Rather than accept his acclaim, a boozy Lee gets on stage and immediately tears into the crowd for being sellouts.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
All donations are tax-deductible and can be made through its online zakat-giving portal, which accepts recurring and one-time payments as high as $10,000 or amounts of one’s choosing.

— Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of accept

Noun

This cutesy girl-next-door look helped to catapult Huntington-Whiteley from Teen Vogue favourite to Burberry face, bona fide lingerie designer, beauty entrepreneur and blockbuster movie star.

— Alice Newbold, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
Designers are experimenting with different fits and fabrics to give the traditional jacket a more modern look.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of look

Noun

Don’t be fooled by the film’s advertising, which features an image of Neeson’s scowling visage dwarfing Levi aiming an automatic weapon.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Information is punched into the ‘Fruit Machine’, a piece of software so named because of the various colours on its visage, the programme into which the raw information from every ball is manually inputted.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of visage

Verb

The film explores the contradictions of a Bulgarian town pulled into Europe’s shifting geopolitical order, where arms production for Ukraine’s frontlines collides with enduring ties to Russia, personal convictions, and the everyday need to survive.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
The enduring lesson of Reykjavík is not simply about nuclear weapons or diplomacy.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of endure

Cite this Entry

Style

“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of countenance

noun

verb

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