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
Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
As in, the color of one’s countenance when feeling ill.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Russian officials have repeatedly refused to countenance troops from any NATO country on Ukrainian soil.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
Few believe Kim would countenance relinquishing his nuclear deterrence, given the fates of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, both toppled after abandoning their weapons programs.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
As in, the color of one’s countenance when feeling ill.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Another early exit is a prospect Madrid cannot countenance, but with great expectations comes great pressure.
—Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Russian officials have repeatedly refused to countenance troops from any NATO country on Ukrainian soil.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
Davis also challenged that judgment, citing the First Amendment protections for religious expression.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
-
About presidential clemency power A pardon is an expression of forgiveness that eases the consequences of a criminal conviction, according to the DOJ.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But special moments in special seasons bloom when least expected, and Cooper smiled in the face of the impossible.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
But in today’s world of digital creators, those seeking fame face competition in a way Khan’s generation never could have imagined.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Former Alabama safety Eddie Jackson, now with the Chicago Bears, said Simpson’s confidence and composure remind him of veteran players who have already seen it all.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Even the imperfections in the costume — the slightly off-shoulder veil, the asymmetry — hint at the cracks in her composure.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Major carriers are required to automatically rebook passengers whose flights are canceled at no charge — or refund the airfare if the passenger decides not to accept the new flight.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Schuschnigg resigned, accepted Hitler’s terms to avoid the shedding of Bruderblut, and, on March 12, German troops marched into Austria.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In contrast, Roosevelt set out to create a press-savvy White House that didn’t just tolerate reporters but welcomed them.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Temperature and Humidity 'Lemon-Lime' Nandina tolerates the heat and humidity of Southern landscapes.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
12 Nov. 2025
-
For a moody look choose the bronze finish, or stick to a minimalist aesthetic with the ivory option.—
Rachel Fletcher,
Architectural Digest,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
MacLachlan has the visage of a much younger man, and Davis’s signature shiny brown curls are serving.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Even if every play causes a sour visage on his face, Bichette is helping the Blue Jays on their quest for a title.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The red sole is a visible pain endured for the privilege of being seen enduring it.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Still, some military analysts remain cautious, noting that satellites are built to endure intense cosmic radiation with hardened components and shielding, leaving open the question of whether such directed energy could penetrate these defenses.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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