countenances 1 of 2

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

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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
More people could look at their own countenances more accurately, and more often. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 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
  • In 2025, the first chime of bells from a mountain pavilion at dawn, accompanied by a gentle morning greeting, creates a space where each collection is experienced independently and explores the versatile expressions of Songmont’s design language.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Observance Dussehra takes on varied cultural expressions across India, shaped by regional rituals and performances.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Think again about kids wagging their fingers in each other’s faces on a playground.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Thybulle — a two-time NBA All-Defensive team honoree — guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton and forward Ziaire Williams are expected to be among the new faces responsible for taking the Lakers’ defense to the next level.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Debounce delay is the time between when a key on a mechanical keyboard is pressed and when the keyboard accepts the keypress as an input.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Put another way, roughly two employees are weighing an exit for every one who accepts a job at a company.
    — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Vietnam's communist government tolerates little dissent and tightly controls the media.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Our criminal system deliberately places the burden on the government and tolerates the possibility that guilty people will go free rather than lower the standard required to convict.
    — Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Not long ago, ordering a nonalcoholic beer at Oktoberfest could draw puzzled looks.
    — Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • This week, the best beauty looks played both sides of the color wheel.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As Jafa’s gang assembles on one end, Prince’s gang stands erect at the other end of the hall, bathed in warm glowing colors.
    — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The robot stands 3 feet 7 inches (110 centimeters) tall and weighs 44 pounds (20 kilograms).
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Genuine smiles and laughter Don't read too much into an initial polite smile.
    — Jeff Haden, CNBC, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • The interdictions come as Cuba endures its worst energy crisis in decades.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The inanimate matter of the Earth endures, as does its atmosphere.
    — Eileen Hunt, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Countenances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenances. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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