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
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 Her exterior countenance reveals the inner storm in completely believable and gripping ways. — Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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 At the time, France, led by President Jacques Chirac, could not countenance supporting an attack on Saddam Hussein, given the weak evidence for either weapons of mass destruction or a link to the horrors of 9/11. — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 6 Mar. 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
  • Concerns for free expression Tyler Coward, the lead counsel for government affairs at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a free-speech advocacy group, said Legislature was treating certain ideas as inherently suspect.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • And that’s to say nothing of the very real threats to free expression coming from Republicans at every level of government right now.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • The section of the AT&T Stadium concourse where the group of DFW sports faces and media had gathered was quickly silenced.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • It can only really be described by the faces of anguish and pure joy on the face of English supporters who have watched every second of their team’s campaign this summer – often packing pubs in the earlier hours for the chance to celebrate together.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of face
Noun
  • At the level of style, there was nothing obviously flamboyant about Allen’s music, nor her presence on stage, the quiet, acerbic composure of her delivery.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
  • England had lost their structure, lost their composure, and had lost the ball to a calmer, cleverer opposition.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of composure
Verb
  • That establishment Democrats didn’t accept him made his candidacy even more appealing.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
  • Guild will accept applicants with credit scores as low as 540, whereas many lenders require a credit score of 620 or higher.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of accept
Verb
  • The Democratic Party, less than four months from a pivotal midterm election, is navigating a new kind of culture war over exactly what kind of behavior — from candidates and staff — the party should tolerate.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
  • Engineers also incorporated seismic protection features that allow the bridge to better tolerate ground movement, an essential requirement in one of the world’s most seismically active regions.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Definition of tolerate
Noun
  • The broad straps offset the lower neckline, which scoops at its narrowest point for a softer look, rather than forming a harsh line.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
  • Gray flooring is losing popularity for its cold, flat look compared to warmer, natural wood tones.
    — Nomita Vaish-Taylor, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Definition of look
Noun
  • Makeup artist Tracey Levy utilized Beauty Pie products for the actress’ luminous visage.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
  • In 2026, Trump has made America about himself — about his petty wants and needs, about his aesthetic vision, about his visage on banners, currency and passports, about his ideas on art and culture and history.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Definition of visage
Verb
  • But for many Georgians who volunteered, worked, performed or attended the Games, the memories that have endured are far more personal.
    — Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • Iran’s hardline regime achieves a victory of sorts simply by enduring and surviving.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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