1
as in expressions
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 faces
the front part of the head
a fairly pretty countenance
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in accepts
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 tolerates
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 countenances
Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
As the time passes between them seeing me, their countenances are even more concerned.
—Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenances
Noun
-
The astronauts’ expressions of admiration and longing for Earth echo a long history of space explorers gaining new appreciation for their home planet.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Sometimes, lending a sympathetic ear on the phone is awkward because there are no facial expressions to fall back on.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The red, white, and green of the Hungarian tricolor, projected onto buildings that surround the square, danced across their faces.—
Isaac Stanley-Becker,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Voters’ familiarity with Harris gives her both a strength and a liability — her name recognition and experience have helped put her at the top of recent national polls, Kousser said, but voters often turn to fresher faces by the time primary elections come around.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
California law places the responsibility for sidewalks on the adjacent property owner, but Davis typically accepts responsibility for all repairs and replacements.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Orbán's conduct has prompted a reexamination of how the EU accepts new members and monitors current ones.—
SAM McNEIL,
Arkansas Online,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Temperature and Humidity Forever Goldy® tolerates Southern heat better than most other arborvitae.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Not to worry though, as bloodroot is a tough-as-nails perennial that comes back year after year even in cool climates and tolerates shade like a champ.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Granted, a picture can’t really tell us much aside from general looks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The soft pink color adds a light and airy feel to the room, while the reversible leaf print gives you two looks in one.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An empty raft stands resilient on a platform as beams of light shine through holes made by bullets.—
Sarah Moreno,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Georgia-native, 70-foot-tall Loblolly Pine Trees line many of the fairways, and an enormous oak tree stands like a beacon outside of the clubhouse.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And yet, Maul endures in stories like this.—
Rafael Motamayor,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The city of Coral Springs has created a webpage to update the public on the case, ensuring that the community remains informed and that Metayer Bowen's legacy of service and unity endures.—
Steve Maugeri,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Plus, the all-in-one station handles emptying, washing, and hot-air drying for total hands-free maintenance.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
6 Apr. 2026
-
That single recipe handles a remarkable range of household disasters.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Countenances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenances. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
