countenances 1 of 2

Definition of countenancesnext
plural of countenance
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

countenances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of countenance

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
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
  • But most are just expressions of thanks for all the good music.
    Roger Simmons, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
  • Lots of promises and expressions of support, but tell me true, who’s in the deal?
    Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • But sheep can tell human faces apart.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • Some demonstrators got in several lawmakers' faces.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Admission is free; the group accepts donations.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
  • Cohen intends to become CEO of the post-merger company if eBay accepts the deal and completes it.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Food-grade silicone tolerates high and low temperatures well and works particularly well for batch cooking and freezer storage.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
  • Catmint is a tough plant that tolerates many different conditions as long as the soil is well-draining.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Standing next to my thirteen-year-old brother, Andreas, who did inherit our mother’s good looks, only seemed to amplify my ugliness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 May 2026
  • My cocktail, Jesus Can’t Hit a Curveball, was decidedly undramatic in the looks department, but its combination of gin, ginger, celery and serrano peppers was phenomenally vegetal and refreshing.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • As companies compete for available land on earth and face criticism from neighbors who don’t want to live near data centers, orbiting tech stands to benefit from the absence of neighbors, endless solar power, and cold temperatures that GPUs need.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
  • During their stroll, Monroe stands over a subway grate as the whoosh of a passing train blows the skirt of her white halter dress up, a welcome respite from the sweltering heatwave that has gripped the city.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Keep working in the Mideast, where wages are far higher, hoping that a shaky ceasefire endures; or return to already poor countries where prices have soared because of the conflict.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2026
  • But what endures — what people carry with them long after the final out — is something quieter.
    Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • This lightweight nylon bag features handles long enough to sit comfortably on your shoulder, a handy exterior pocket, and a top zipper closure to keep all of your belongings secure.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
  • On accountability, the returns and refunds infrastructure already handles error correction, and escalation is largely automated, leaving retailers well-positioned for agentic accountability without a net-new architecture.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Countenances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenances. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on countenances

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster