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
  • The branzino – buttery, substantial and just the right amount of briny – is the most tangible, tasty expression of the theory.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • At an institution where nearly everything else has been muted, the most enduring expression of what the Kennedy Center once was now lives on its smallest stage.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • The competition series featured masters of shamanism, tarot, face and foot reading, saju and other divination disciplines competing in challenges that tested their abilities, using tools including fans, bells, dowsing rods and modern-day laptops.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • Dua Lipa sued Samsung for $15 million for including her easily recognizable face on packaging for TV screens without her permission.
    — Schuyler Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of face
Noun
  • But otherwise, King kept his composure and did a nice job of throwing on the run.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026
  • But composure and communication are not the same; one is regulation, the other is presence.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of composure
Verb
  • Once considered unprofessional or unconventional in some settings, tattoos have become far more accepted across generations.
    — Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • That silence is what widens the gap, teaching an entire team what leadership is willing to accept.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of accept
Verb
  • Heavy clay also holds onto moisture for an eternity, which many flowers and shrubs can’t tolerate.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 July 2026
  • Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed, which grows best in cooler climates, but the butterflies can’t tolerate freezing temperatures.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Definition of tolerate
Noun
  • Those tools have yet to coalesce into consistent major-league-caliber production, but nights like Monday are reason McCray might be worth an extended look.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
  • Casual Workwear Try Katie Holmes’s blue button-down shirt and indigo wash wide-leg jeans for a casual office look.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 27 July 2026
Definition of look
Noun
  • 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
  • As the Cyclops, Irwin, transformed into a giant, is given an extraordinary, almost Cubist visage.
    — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026
Definition of visage
Verb
  • Designed as a retreat from the pace of daily life, the experience reflects Waldorf Astoria’s enduring commitment to intuitive service and personalized hospitality—anticipating guests’ needs while creating space for meaningful pause.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • On both, as ever, his illegible mumble suggests shame in his own voice, or even guilt about being here at all (some of his enduring illnesses relate to PTSD from cradling a dying friend in his lap after a gang attack as a teen).
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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