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
Frank Rizzo, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
As in, the color of one’s countenance when feeling ill.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
With scraggly hair and beard and a dazed countenance of man waking up from an unspeakable dream, Reeves brings the tender vulnerability to his Estragon (aka Gogo).
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
As in, the color of one’s countenance when feeling ill.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
The policy still countenances harmful mining, but with the intent of benefiting locals, not faraway CEOs or shareholders.
—Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
Krejci’s expression as referee Tom Kirk brandished the red card looked like one of genuine bewilderment.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
This new expression starts out as regular Woodford bourbon, which is aged for about six to seven years in new charred oak barrels (as required by law for bourbon).—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
See new places and meet new faces.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The goal was for the GOP to hold onto a narrow House majority in the face of political headwinds that typically favor the party out of power in midterms.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Bread dough The morning after Cathy and Heathcliff spy on Joseph (Ewan Mitchell) and Zillah’s (Amy Morgan) kinky stable tryst, Cathy loses her composure at the breakfast table watching a very wet dough (focaccia, maybe?—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
-
But Malinin missed his first combo and could never regain his composure in what was likely his worst performance in a major competition in quite some time.—
John Cherwa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Isaacman stated that while Boeing manufactured the troubled spacecraft, the ultimate responsibility lies with NASA for accepting a flawed vehicle and risking the lives of two astronauts.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Many countries won’t accept vaccinated birds.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But at some public schools, the woman from Rasht said, absences aren't tolerated and students found with pellet wounds are expelled or arrested.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The filing went on to say the plaintiffs demonstrated that criminal activity indeed takes place at the Eco Motel, and that the motel’s owners are aware of and tolerate that activity.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 Feb. 2026
-
At first glance, the hotel’s facade looks like any other sleek office block on this leafy boulevard in Songshan—polished glass, lots of steel, and unlikely to win any prizes for its exterior looks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As for glam, Hudson’s makeup artist, Naoko Scintu, executed a glowing visage.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The sculptor, David Adickes, was an Army veteran who'd wanted his stony visages to gleam.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The allure of backcountry skiing endures despite the risks.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
So, read books, all the way through, and discover hidden worlds, nuanced characters and complex arguments that will enlighten you, inspire joy and ignite empathy that will endure.—
Patricia Steckler,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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