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
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
Without listening to these dissenting voices, the Democratic Party seems unable to recognize — or countenance — that many of them favor middle-ground positions.
—Frank Barry, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
Rawan Sheikh Ahmad, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
And there’s a refusal on the part of these groups to countenance that.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
James, with his doleful countenance, makes the adult Hal vaguely sympathetic.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
Without listening to these dissenting voices, the Democratic Party seems unable to recognize — or countenance — that many of them favor middle-ground positions.
—Frank Barry, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
But Israel has refused to countenance any Hamas control in Gaza, while Hamas has shown little appetite for disbanding its battalions of armed fighters or sending its Gaza leaders into exile.
—Rawan Sheikh Ahmad, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
And there’s a refusal on the part of these groups to countenance that.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
Music, literature and the visual arts are not optional luxuries but essential expressions of our humanity.—
William P. Yeakel,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Self Offense helps people identify subtle cues (e.g., saying ‘maybe’ or avoiding eye contact) and empowers them to treat those cues as legitimate expressions of self.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But markets are betting on more stimulus being rolled out soon in the face of the escalating China-U.S. trade war.—
Hannah Lang and Rae Wee,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
His story is particularly notable for his defense of the Maratha kingdom and his legendary courage in the face of adversity.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
After the one-two punch (or burning, or stabbing) of the siege on Jackson and Joel’s murder, a more sedate, transitional episode lets the characters regain their composure as much as the viewers.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Maintaining its strong Eastern Conference standing will require a level of finishing and composure that was noticeably absent Saturday night.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In effect, New York claimed the right to dictate energy policy for all of New England, whether the citizens who actually reside in that region accepted and agreed with New York’s energy policies, or not.—
Daniel Markind,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
At what cost? The United States already has this type of agreement with the government of El Salvador, which notably has been accepting Venezuelan nationals and housing them in the country's notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Treat divergence not as something to tolerate but as a strategic asset.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Some are bred to tolerate warmer or colder temperatures.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Watch the trailer below and see more first look photos.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Take a look at what’s next By Elizabeth Fazzare AD PRO’s Essential Guide to High Point Market Spring 2025 Traveling to the furniture industry’s largest North American trade show?—
David Nash,
Architectural Digest,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In that mighty visage, Stephens and Hernandez tease out a theme of grand scope and urgency.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Those who prefer a true skin-like visage will love it, while those keen on a glowy finish can build to that level.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Interest might ebb and flow depending on the person who fills the role, but the kingly complexion of the papacy itself continues to hold enduring intrigue.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Never underestimate a woman’s ability to endure pain.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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