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
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
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
-
The actors’ expressions aren’t wholly legible through the glass and the falling dusk, but the air around them is thick with curdling resentment and sudden grief.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Beyond shedding light on the exploitative nature of the AI industry, Gourault highlights the workers’ attempts to claim agency, however precarious, through tactics of organization and expression.—
Farren Fei Yuan,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The results will show young women who look an awful lot like circus clowns, with faces hidden under layers of masks, gels, serums, and even face tape.—
Jana Pollack,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The suspects appeared to be wearing dark-colored clothing, with black hooded sweatshirts and black face coverings.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The typical composure is gone from his game.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Ruffier was impressed by Bresson’s composure and willingness to engage.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Orphans and widows do not often accept the wider geopolitical need for their immediate grief.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Goldis, wanting to accept the invitation, requested prior approval in accordance with the policy, but the NYAG’s office denied her petition.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Phase 1 human clinical trials showed it was well tolerated, and Bakshi says early results in Phase 2, which is focused on both safety and efficacy, are promising.—
Ana Castelain,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Bovino’s departure seemed an admission that Minnesotans aren’t the only Americans who won’t tolerate more deaths at the hands of federal agents.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Paint Baseboards Paint your baseboards for a clean look with sharp lines.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The statement piece instantly elevates a boots-and-leggings combo, as evidenced by the above look.—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Her visage is not one of outward excitement but of tenderness for this man who should love her.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Pacific peoples weren’t known to be strong on massive visages and the like, popular opinion suggested at the time, whereas groups like the Inca, the Olmec, and the Toltec were.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As tens of thousands of people endured nearly a week with no electricity, another storm loomed on the East Coast.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
-
On Saturday, Connecticut was enduring glacial temperatures in the teens.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
