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

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2
as in face
the front part of the head a fairly pretty countenance

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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
Her exterior countenance reveals the inner storm in completely believable and gripping ways. — Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026 McVay had spent the previous availability explaining the reason for his somber and dour countenance during an awkward news conference the night before. — Los Angeles Times, 31 May 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
  • Unlike traditional sports chants, Jama blends music, rhythm and movement into an expression of community that exists well beyond the soccer field.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
  • While much of the source material comes from elsewhere, the cumulative mood is extremely personal to an artist who has spent his life helping the greats find true expression.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • The post also included a sweet selfie with her two younger sons, with Mateo smiling widely and Ciro making a silly face for the camera.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
  • Between Bon Jovi being home-ish from the band's Sayreville, New Jersey, roots and also back home on stage, the resonance of the lyrics were apparent on his face.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of face
Noun
  • The pressure to keep your composure could clash with very real needs at home or in your own personal life.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • Europe, naturally, handled this decision with great composure and perspective.
    — Amber Harding, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of composure
Verb
  • Trump has already accepted a set of Olympic medals from LA 28 chair Casey Wasserman and will preen as a man of consequence for the world when the Games come to Los Angeles in two years.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Morgan Scalley, Utah Utah brought a new coach to a media day for the first time in 20 years since Kyle Whittingham stepped down as the Utes’ coach before accepting the job at Michigan.
    — Cal Phillips July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
Definition of accept
Verb
  • The prevailing stereotype is that people of color can tolerate spicy food better than white people, and data show the majority of Reddit users are white.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
  • Studies have shown that overfertilizing can weaken the underground partnerships between plants and microbes that are fundamental to helping plants access nutrients and tolerate stress.
    — Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of tolerate
Noun
  • The Quince pair boasts 1-inch platforms that quite literally elevate every look.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026
  • Recreating the look is easy at Quince, where smart trousers and shirts are available in similar colors and materials that channel the same laid-back aesthetic.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 7 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
  • Led by husband-and-wife team Austin and Olivia Kelleher, each headcover is made in the Hudson Valley and embodies sustainability, artistry, and the enduring spirit of the game.
    — RS Editors, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026
  • The teaser opens with a young Jean Valjean enduring the brutal years of his imprisonment before fast-forwarding to his new life and the inevitable pursuit by Inspector Javert, played by Tahar Rahim.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of countenance for Spanish Speakers

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