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
Two high-profile shows at the same time—and yet, her countenance displays no sign of exhaustion. — Dennis Braatz, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 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
Verb
So, like Croatia, who turned to 40-year-old Luka Modric in their opening game against England, and Portugal, who could not countenance being without Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, in their opener, Bosnia reached for their own vintage performer. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 June 2026 These may be luxuries that only an almost-unlimited budget would countenance. — Nancy A. Youssef, The Atlantic, 17 June 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
  • Additionally, the minutes featured a notable new expression regarding the impact of artificial intelligence.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • Grande became the face of an ongoing conversation around health, and the cultural pendulum swing away from body positivity to the glorification of thinness, ignited by the proliferation of weight-loss drugs.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Tatcha’s top three stock keeping units today include its $74 Dewy Skin Cream, one jar of which is sold every 30 seconds, as well as the lightweight Water Cream and Rice Wash face wash, priced at $74 and $40, respectively.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of face
Noun
  • Ampadu’s tenacity in the tackle, composure on the ball and his long throw — an emerging weapon — all contributed to the team’s strong showings.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Willis showed good composure, arm strength, accuracy and decision-making, going 4-for-5 passing for 43 yards while leading the Dolphins on a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of composure
Verb
  • How is this affecting all those people who felt seen and accepted by growing inclusivity?
    — Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Immigration officials did not accept the letters, according to the group.
    — Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of accept
Verb
  • That means tolerating the discomfort of not getting an immediate response, and directing all that nervous energy somewhere else.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The company says one potential application is a temperature logger used during the sterilization of retort food, where equipment needs to tolerate high temperatures while limiting moisture ingress.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of tolerate
Noun
  • One of Braun’s strengths is an almost sneaky explosiveness combined with reckless abandon — whether sprinting on run-outs, squirting free on back-door cuts, throwing his body into the paint, or rising high to finish open looks from beyond the arc.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Creators will film their outfits, review the food and give followers a look inside brand experiences and premium seats, broadcasting the spectacle of being at the Open to millions of people beyond the gates.
    — Jessica Schiffer, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of look
Noun
  • Armed with various putties, fillers, waxes, and bundles of human hair, their goal was to produce a visage worthy of an open casket.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of visage
Verb
  • While a cause of death has not yet been reported, the actor endured serious health issues in the years after experiencing a major stroke in 2012.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The footage shows contestants happily enduring all sorts of mayhem, while being guided by the voice of the late actor Gene Wilder, who famously played Willy Wonka in the 1971 movie.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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