countenance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tᵊn-ən(t)s How to pronounce countenance (audio)
Definition of countenancenext
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

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

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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
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 See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
  1. expression
  2. face
  3. composure
  4. accept
  5. tolerate
  6. look
  7. visage
  8. endure
Noun
  • The accompanying image showed a pair of flip-flops adorned with Moore’s iconic cry-face on the left foot, while the right shows the actress making a more dramatic, less strained expression.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, Georgia lawmakers have introduced legislation targeting banks that use social credit metrics or restrict access based on constitutional expression, aiming to hold financial institutions accountable for ideological bias.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • The 18-year old who was thrown to the ground and punched in the face by an Arkansas State Police trooper during a traffic stop near Manila earlier this month has filed a lawsuit against the trooper.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2026
  • However, a whole-brain analysis did show distinct patterns of activity when the dogs saw faces showing the negative emotions.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of face
Noun
  • The closers who deliberately grow their skills, their composure and their standards watch their results grow with them.
    — Ramon Cadiz, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Chef—the character is nameless, and seemingly unknowable—is a mentor and a foil to Tony, his lined face and graying beard highlighting Tony’s youth, his composure framing Tony’s jittery ambition.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of composure
Verb
  • Instead of barking back, his commander accepted the boundary and deferred the task to the following week.
    — Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Politico found Donalds accepted $375,000 from two companies and a CEO involved in Project Tango.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of accept
Verb
  • Stern’s decisive response to the Malice at the Palace – the suspensions of the players as well as the punishments meted out to the fans – sent a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • People with digestive conditions that require a temporary low-fiber diet during flare-ups may also need to limit unhulled sesame seeds, since their fiber-rich outer hull can be difficult to tolerate.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of tolerate
Noun
  • The beloved comfort shoe has become a styling staple for those who know that the coolest looks are often the ones that feel effortless.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The desire for teens to overhaul their look during high school is a healthy part of adolescent development.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of look
Noun
  • Armed with various putties, fillers, waxes, and bundles of human hair, their goal was to produce a visage worthy of an open casket.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • The new exterior takes the Sterrato’s already sculpted visage and adds some serious brawn, which can best be seen in the fenders and the roof, which now sports a scoop.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
Definition of visage
Verb
  • Neither side, however, is under any illusion about the nature of the enduring competition.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The classic coaster, affectionately known as Monty by fans and Zoom by Knott’s, has endured a seemingly endless series of stops and starts during the past four years.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of endure

Browse Nearby Words

counted (up to)
countenance
countenanced
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Cite this Entry

“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of countenance for Spanish Speakers

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