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countenanced 1 of 2

adjective

as in condoned

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countenanced

2 of 2

verb

past tense of countenance
1
as in accepted
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 tolerated
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 countenanced
Verb
The idea is floated that Alice married Hagood because her churchgoing parents would not have countenanced her going to Paris any other way; then again, photographs of him present a man of striking good looks. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenanced
  1. condoned
  2. accepted
  3. tolerated
  4. sanctioned
  5. endured
  6. supported
  7. handled
  8. promoted
Adjective
  • If cynicism has become not only condoned but essential, how are we supposed to know when to roll our eyes and when to actually become concerned?
    — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 22 Aug. 2025
Definition of condoned
Verb
  • Morissette accepted the award and $20,000 (US$14,461) prize, which was presented in partnership with the Canada Media Fund.
    — Jennie Punter, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Ahead of the Academy Awards victory, Oldman actually accepted an earlier Actor Award victory (then known as a SAG Award) on Ledger’s behalf at the 2009 ceremony.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of accepted
Verb
  • But Hyrox has said that abuse or harassment aimed toward Wietrzyk will not be tolerated — and could result in competitors being banned from future events.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026
  • There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of tolerated
Adjective
  • The winner of Big Break x Good Good was supposed to receive a sponsorship exemption into the November 12-15 Good Good Championship, a sanctioned PGA Tour event.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In addition, a non-sanctioned rolling bedside table had been left in the room, possibly by a previous patient, but staff did not remove it.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanctioned
Verb
  • The complaint alleges freshmen endured forced genital shaving, excessive drinking and being made to eat live fish as part of team initiation.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In the sequel, Sally has endured heartbreak again and a new potential love interest (played by Lee Pace) — but with hesitations.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of endured
Adjective
  • When a leader is responsible for too many people, employees can start to feel less seen, less supported and less guided.
    — Bronwen Sciortino, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Definition of supported
Verb
  • Nate Jaros, vice president of animal care at the aquarium, said this is one of the largest hauls the aquarium has handled in years.
    — John Donegan LONG BEACH POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Policies renew, claims get handled, and leadership moves on to more immediate financial priorities.
    — Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of handled
Adjective
  • Qualifying for European football as a promoted side?
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Definition of promoted

Browse Nearby Words

countenance
countenanced
countenances
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Cite this Entry

“Countenanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenanced. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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