Synonyms of countenance

countenance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tᵊn-ən(t)s 

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

• expression
• look
• smile
• face
• grin
• visage
• cast
• scowl
• grimace
• frown
• mouth
• presence
• demeanor
• appearance
• manner
• bearing
• pout
• air
• mien
• lower
• aspect

2

as in face

the front part of the head

a fairly pretty countenance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• face
• visage
• appearance
• presence
• looks
• puss
• pan
• features
• expression
• kisser
• mug
• mien
• lineaments
• aspect
• physiognomy

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

• composure
• equanimity
• calmness
• collectedness
• imperturbability
• sangfroid
• self-possession
• serenity
• equilibrium
• coolness
• placidity
• assurance
• tranquilness
• aplomb
• repose
• composedness
• tranquility
• confidence
• cool
• self-composedness
• self-assurance
• self-confidence
• indifference
• impassivity
• poise
• unconcern
• self-assuredness
• phlegm
• numbness
• insensibility
• self-trust
• detachment
• apathy
• laid-backness
• easygoingness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• perturbation
• agitation
• concern
• care
• anxiety
• apprehension
• discomposure
• solicitude
• uneasiness
• worry
• alarm
• disquiet
• nervousness
• apprehensiveness
• excitability
• anxiousness
• disturbance
• excitableness

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accept
• tolerate
• favor
• support
• approve (of)
• like
• subscribe (to)
• go for
• care (for)
• enjoy
• hold with
• applaud
• sustain
• OK
• praise
• uphold
• take kindly to
• salute
• endure
• recommend
• concur (in)
• stand by
• commend
• consent (to)
• laud
• bear
• back (up)
• acclaim
• assent (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• criticize
• condemn
• disapprove (of)
• denounce
• frown (on or upon)
• censure
• discountenance
• disparage
• mind
• depreciate
• deprecate
• damn
• dislike
• hate
• oppose
• disfavor
• detest
• object (to)
• reprehend
• reprobate
• loathe
• blacklist
• dissent (from)

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

• tolerate
• accept
• endure
• stand
• handle
• take
• bear
• sustain
• absorb
• abide
• stomach
• swallow
• wear
• meet
• brook
• support
• stand for
• live with
• lump (it)
• hack
• bide
• stick out
• suffer
• sweat out
• permit
• tough it out
• go
• allow
• pocket
• acquiesce
• reconcile (to)
• respect
• yield (to)
• submit (to)
• consent (to)
• agree (with or to)
• capitulate
• assent (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• reject
• dismiss
• repudiate
• resist
• decline
• oppose
• fight
• combat
• avoid
• spurn
• escape
• contest
• turn down
• evade
• miss
• circumvent
• bypass
• refrain (from)
• elude
• forbear
• dodge
• abstain (from)

Example Sentences

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

Aquinas would certainly not countenance a threat to bomb another country back into the Stone Age. — Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026

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

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