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
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
De Santis’ countenance is generally as unyielding as the historic Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence of Italian presidents, its elegant exterior concealing majestic halls, grand staircases, a vast chapel and an arcaded courtyard.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Russia has refused to countenance the idea of European troops on Ukrainian soil, while the U.S. insists that no American troops would be deployed to the country as peacekeepers.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
Even then, the timing felt too late to countenance replacing him, considering the crippling UEFA financial sanctions they were faced with and the keen fact that some potential targets had already moved elsewhere.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
De Santis’ countenance is generally as unyielding as the historic Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence of Italian presidents, its elegant exterior concealing majestic halls, grand staircases, a vast chapel and an arcaded courtyard.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
And the United States might have to countenance a military union between Russia and China.
—Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
Russia has refused to countenance the idea of European troops on Ukrainian soil, while the U.S. insists that no American troops would be deployed to the country as peacekeepers.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
Bryant is the type of player whose expression can often tell the story of the day, both in times of joy and agony.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Dollcore aesthetics can be tailored to suit a range of moods, from gothic doll vibes to pastel, sugar-sweet interpretations, making this trend versatile for creative expression.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But Guerrero, after signing a 14-year, $500 million extension, is the face of the franchise not just for the 2020s, but the 2030s as well.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Hersh’s face fills banner after banner.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
On his first United appearance, Lammens did exude a composure that spread to the defenders in front.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Defense filings include letters from 70 individuals—family members, collaborators, and fellow inmates—describing Combs as a stabilizing force in prison who has mentored others and maintained composure under challenging conditions.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Tennessee Department of Education provided a list of more than 200 schools accepting scholarship students for the 2025-26 school year.—
Rachel Wegner,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The planning commission accepted the recommendation, with a small modification related to how medical clinics are defined in the Land Development Code.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Here, grizzlies don’t equate people with food—as opposed to populated areas where alluring smells forge a connection—and have learned to tolerate humans, thanks to decades of naturalists adopting nonthreatening practices.—
Susan Portnoy,
AFAR Media,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Water Chocolate cosmos tolerate dry conditions once established, but thrive with regular irrigation.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Chic Classic Collection Stretch Pull-On Pant For moms who love a straight-leg look, these stretchy legging jeans are perfect for work, events, and beyond.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Her sultry visage was created using an assortment of products by Make Up For Ever.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
26 Sep. 2025
-
With these tools in your arsenal, achieving a polished, camera-ready visage has never been easier—or more indulgent.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Fortunately, humidity will be low so foliage viewers won't have to endure that aspect of summer heat.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Even decades later, the memory of Brenda and baby Erica endures.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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