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
-
While there has been some show of support for Maduro and expressions ofoutrage by his remaining government officials, the streets of Caracas and other major cities have mostly been quiet.—
Flora Charner,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Whether those expressions will ever feel fully convincing is an open question.—
Dan Turello,
New Yorker,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
After the play, Sirianni and Brown were seen on the broadcast getting in each other's faces.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Their necks contorted slightly and smiles spread across their faces as the high-definition videos started and their journeys commenced.—
Haven Daley,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The story follows a young woman, a lifelong swimmer and Olympic hopeful, who accepts a college swimming scholarship in Texas in order to escape an abusive father and an alcoholic, suicidal mother.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Trying to escape her past, Millie (Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Sklenar).—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That setback forced a recalibration of priorities and reinforced the consequences of divided focus within a profession that tolerates little margin for error.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
2 Jan. 2026
-
This slow-growing shrub tolerates shearing well; it can be sculpted into formal shapes.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Now, the juxtapositions that are so key to Charli’s style DNA manifest in Anthony Vaccarello’s current athleisure-meets-lingerie looks.—
Alice Newbold,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
-
To see all the looks from the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet, and for more of Glamour’s live show coverage, click here.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Here’s how Round 1 stands after the conclusion of Saturday’s wild-card games.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The rubber seal around your fridge door stands guard over all of the food inside.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As Connecticut endures a wave of a variety of flu strains, other influenza-like illness are also circulating and making people sick.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
5 Jan. 2026
-
In this age of uncertainty and transition in college sports, the memory of Jackson endures for millions of fans.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Eric handles the role of the older Simms, while Finn plays the character in flashback scenes — including a jarring opening sequence of him in action.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Kaufmann was first elected to the Iowa House in 2012 and previously served as the chair of the Ways and Means Committee, which handles tax policy.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Countenances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenances. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share