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
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Cordial countenance is quiet leadership, the atmosphere shift that makes truth telling possible.
—Adam Dietz, Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
Sarah Pidgeon The modern-day Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Sarah Pidgeon donned a soft glam countenance the late Calvin Klein publicist would approve of.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Cordial countenance is quiet leadership, the atmosphere shift that makes truth telling possible.
—Adam Dietz, Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
The castrato was proud to call himself the boy’s father, never publicly countenancing the reality that this was impossible.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
Now in its 38th edition, the annual issue is a record of the highest expressions of craft, ingenuity, creativity, pleasure, and wonder across 15 categories and from around the globe.—
John Vorwald,
Robb Report,
21 June 2026
-
Cancer season brings focus to your creative expression, dating life, hobbies and self-expression.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Still, as the face of Manchester’s rejuvenation, Burnham assumed a US governor-style regional leader profile.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
-
The exchange came about a minute after Clark drilled a 3-pointer in Reese's face.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
When hopelessly romantic Penny awkwardly meets dazzling musician Bianca at a supermarket, sparks fly — and so does Penny’s composure.—
Sarah Kate Ellis,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
-
Blashill kept his composure through such stretches.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Not ready to accept a blowout loss, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ermin Mahmić lands one in the net in stoppage time!—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
The United States entered the conflict seeking to eliminate Iran’s leverage, constrain its regional influence, and force it to accept strict limits on its nuclear program.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
The conduct and behavior associated with the party were unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Birmingham neighborhoods.—
Julia Avant,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
-
Days later, Major League Baseball issued a warning to the players stating that similar behavior will not be tolerated in the future.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Here’s a look at the pending appeals that the Supreme Court could accept or reject as early as June 22.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
The visage of the Mexican painter, whose work was once overshadowed by that of her husband, has become so iconic—doomed to emblazon T-shirts around the world—that it has been largely decontextualized from Frida, the human being.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
And in a strange way, Brazil’s early elimination from that tournament 44 years ago has only added to their enduring appeal — with the team more fondly remembered than the country’s victorious sides in 1994 and 2002.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
-
The Toronto Blue Jays are enduring a disappointing 2026 season, struggling with inconsistency despite high expectations.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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