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
  • The loan of the pandas was one of the few concrete outcomes to come out of the state visit, which saw expressions of goodwill between the leaders, but no fixes to any of the long-standing differences between the two countries.
    — Huizhong Wu, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
  • This partnership is one of the clearest expressions of that so far.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 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
  • The remarks came days after Araghchi proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks within seven days if Washington accepts Iran’s terms.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The High Court accepts only about 10% of applications for leave to appeal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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