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
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Recent Examples of countenance
Adam Dietz, Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
To defeat the threat of a surging left, businessmen and nationalists colluded to countenance domestic culture wars, xenophobic nationalism, the erosion of constitutional norms, and outright violence, ultimately naming Hitler, a vulgar racist, as national executive.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Few believe Kim would countenance relinquishing his nuclear deterrence, given the fates of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, both toppled after abandoning their weapons programs.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
Cordial countenance is quiet leadership, the atmosphere shift that makes truth telling possible.
—Adam Dietz, Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
To defeat the threat of a surging left, businessmen and nationalists colluded to countenance domestic culture wars, xenophobic nationalism, the erosion of constitutional norms, and outright violence, ultimately naming Hitler, a vulgar racist, as national executive.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
What Perez, above, won’t countenance, seemingly, is ownership of the entire club passing into private hands, like City or PSG.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Few believe Kim would countenance relinquishing his nuclear deterrence, given the fates of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, both toppled after abandoning their weapons programs.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
At least that was my expression.—
David Sedaris,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Elder most recently served as vice president of brand strategy and creative expression at Purpose Brands, whose portfolio includes Anytime Fitness, Waxing the City, The Bar Method, Stronger U and Basecamp Fitness.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Made with a lightweight cotton fabric, this bucket hat will keep your face cool on balmy days.—
Claire West,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar left in the second period after he was hit in the face by a puck.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Bruins tied the score early in the third period and pushed for about the next 10 minutes, but the Flyers, buoyed by 18 saves from Dan Vladar, maintained their composure and eventually pushed back.—
Kevin Kurz,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
For entrepreneurs, confidence and bold vision can be assets, but only when paired with openness and composure.—
Paul Sanchez Ruiz,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Murray's son, Blake, accepted the honor on his father's behalf.—
Jori Parys,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
But the public was receptive, and Magyar quickly evolved into a formal opposition leader, accepting the helm of the Tisza Party—founded in 2020—as a vehicle for his movement.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That is not a situation that elite clubs can tolerate.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Dissent is not tolerated, which has led to a repressive political climate and one in which human rights are routinely violated.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Italian nonne stirred pots full of sauce with a look of utter boredom and, here and there, Neapolitan ragazzi sat atop their motorini and gawped at the torture.—
Douglas Stuart,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The length is perfect with a pair of ballet flats or lug-sole loafers, and the structured shape matches with everything from a casual white tee to a silky camisole and cropped cardigan for a day-to-night look.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Vaccines even had a beloved national mascot in Zé Gotinha (Joe Droplet), a cartoon vaccine droplet with a Pillsbury Doughboy-like visage.—
Jessica A.J. Rich,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
-
His signature mustache and overalls helped make his visage pop on a limited pixel grid, but his color scheme changed depending on the game or promotional art.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The film also highlights, through such enduring artifacts as cassette recordings and photographic prints, the archival basis of memory itself.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
After enduring years of thieves stealing headstones, the owner of a Compton cemetery decided to sell the property after a person stabbed her three dogs on Friday.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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