1
as in expression
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 face
the front part of the head
a fairly pretty countenance
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in composure
evenness of emotions or temper
the EMT's purposeful countenance was in stark contrast to everyone else's hysteria
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to accept
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 to tolerate
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
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Recent Examples of countenance
Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
This was the countenance that Mishima adopted in many photographs taken of him in the sixties.
—Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Each death has to be countenanced as a fact, squared away in the record books.
—Caitlin Flanagan, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for countenance 
Noun
The powerful make a grave mistake by refusing to countenance dissenting views.
—Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
This was the countenance that Mishima adopted in many photographs taken of him in the sixties.
—Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
Yet Howe insists Newcastle will not countenance the Slovakia international’s exit until Nick Pope returns from injury.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
Each death has to be countenanced as a fact, squared away in the record books.
—Caitlin Flanagan, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
But so are some aspects of DEI, which have also been hostile to open expression.—
Jonathan Zimmerman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
-
And there was no one with a better incredulous expression and heavy sigh.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA TODAY,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Using the face of a clock as a guide, leave palm frond clusters to form a 9-to-3 look.—
Tom MacCubbin,
Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2025
-
In another incident, a car which had accidentally turned onto the course was forced to reverse in the face of the oncoming peloton.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Whether Amorim can translate that composure to the pitch will factor into results.—
Laurie Whitwell,
The Athletic,
16 Feb. 2025
-
The Warriors eventually gained their composure against the Jazz, but lost it in a different manner while surrendering 20 points in the last three minutes of the game, blowing a double-digit lead.—
Danny Emerman,
The Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print. Find more Picture Prompts here.—
The Learning Network,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Smith said none of the current trustees will be accepting health benefits, which is consistent with all other cemetery districts in San Diego County.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Bad things happen when good people tolerate the immorality and lawlessness of a state or federal government.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Feb. 2025
-
In research showing that athletes can tolerate more than 100 grams of carbs hourly and that this amount increases carbohydrate oxidation, there is some concern that not all this sugar gets used up during exercise.—
Matthew Kadey,
Outside Online,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The celebrity hairstylist aimed to create a polished look while keeping the curls intact and frizz-free.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Here's a closer look at what the department does and doesn't do: 🎓 The federal government contributes a small fraction of schools' overall funding.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
My delight upon seeing the always-welcome visage of Succession’s own Alan Ruck in (briefly) a dual role in this week’s episode of Elsbeth is boundless!—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
6 Feb. 2025
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Even before Lucky has his first flashback to lovelier days, Catlett has been carrying the weight and bittersweet power of reminiscence in his visage.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Their voices blend gloriously on this fresh yet stone-cold country rendering of the song, which highlights the enduring heritage of Latino country music.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
10 Feb. 2025
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All the Democratic presidents since Franklin Roosevelt put their stamp on the social safety net in ways that endure to this day: establishing and expanding Social Security, expanding access to health insurance, providing subsidies for food, and providing housing assistance.—
Jason Furman,
Foreign Affairs,
10 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near countenance
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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