COUNTENANCES Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

countenances 1 of 2

noun

plural of countenance

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

as in faces

the front part of the head a fairly pretty countenance

Synonyms & Similar Words

countenances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of countenance

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

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

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

Companies must submit non-proprietary expressions of interest outlining their relevant expertise.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Austin selected 46 of the original collection’s 96 barrels to create the blend used in both expressions.

— Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of expressions

Noun

There are two new faces leading South Florida’s historically Black districts, but neither is much of a surprise to voters in the deeply Democratic districts.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
What Florida lacks is a straightforward admission-specific standard that applies whenever a business asks visitors to use their faces as tickets.

— Burak Oktenli, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of faces

Verb

When Lear disowns her, the King of France accepts Cordelia as his wife and takes her back to his homeland.

— Langdon Hammer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
When Danny is assigned to create a holiday scrapbook for his mom, Michaela reluctantly accepts help from his free-spirited substitute teacher, Bryan (Morgan), whose creativity clashes with her need for preciseness and control.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of accepts

Verb

Ye-ji has a hunky hedge-fund-type husband, Sang-woo (Zo In-sung), who condescendingly tolerates, but doesn’t finance, his wife’s cinematic caprices.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Even if your skin generally tolerates exfoliation well, dermatologists warn that AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, making your skin more vulnerable to UV damage.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of tolerates

Noun

This was especially important on Wildwood, which features a huge range of costumes; in the city sequences everyone is dressed in modern clothing, whereas in the forest characters have more fantastical looks.

— Andrew Webster, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2026
Gap is one of the first mass brands to pursue a major integration, encouraging users to try on Gap products and share their looks within the app.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of looks

Verb

What to do nearby Numbered lifeguard stands serve as landmarks on Rio de Janeiro’s beaches, and at the southern end of Copacabana, the Fairmont puts you close to Posto 6.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
If built, the tower would top Fort Lauderdale’s current tallest building 100 Las Olas, which stands 499 feet and 10 inches high.

— Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of stands

Verb

The point is to capture love and humanity that endures in the face of that extreme violence.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
The camaraderie endures even in success, and is palpable in a viral clip from June of the cast watching and then raucously celebrating as the New York Knicks pulled off an electric comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of endures

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Style

“Countenances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenances. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of countenances

noun

verb

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