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
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Cordial countenance is quiet leadership, the atmosphere shift that makes truth telling possible.
—Adam Dietz, Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Few believe Kim would countenance relinquishing his nuclear deterrence, given the fates of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, both toppled after abandoning their weapons programs.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
Sarah Pidgeon The modern-day Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Sarah Pidgeon donned a soft glam countenance the late Calvin Klein publicist would approve of.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Cordial countenance is quiet leadership, the atmosphere shift that makes truth telling possible.
—Adam Dietz, Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
What Perez, above, won’t countenance, seemingly, is ownership of the entire club passing into private hands, like City or PSG.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Few believe Kim would countenance relinquishing his nuclear deterrence, given the fates of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, both toppled after abandoning their weapons programs.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
-
These three expressions highlight how broad bourbon’s stylistic spectrum has become.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
-
One of the best examples is Cantina Girlan Trattmann Riserva, an expression of two of the region’s most prestigious crus, Mazon and Girlan, which offer strong geological differences.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
More than 100 little, laughing faces were yelling thank you.—
Brian Lamar,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
The waxy, pore-filling iterations always look heavy on my dry skin, while the mattifying formulas make my face feel tight and flat.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
Only Chelsea have had more red cards (eight) than Tottenham’s four this season, highlighting a lack of discipline and composure.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
-
Professionals who have thrived in high-pressure environments bring a unique edge and composure to wealth management that separates them from the pack.—
Corey McQuade,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
The Justice Department hasn’t formed the five-member commission that will decide on payout criteria, so there has been no money paid out yet or claims accepted.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Missouri lawmakers slashed funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library free book program from $6 million to $2 million, meaning the state will no longer accept new children into the literacy program starting July 1.—
Ian Cummings,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The work of observing, tolerating and, at times, surrendering control to see what exists beneath it.—
Sonia Singh,
Rolling Stone,
26 May 2026
-
In the shadow of the war to end all wars, people desperately hoped that the human race would never again tolerate such fevered violence, and Esperanto grew hand in hand with the pacifist movement.—
Katie Thornton,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
Thus, Mueller gave Kuziela a closer look, even before the growth spurt.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Atkinson threw a mini tantrum then sat in his chair, the look of defeat on a coach knowing what comes next.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
The Ti7’s look may recall the Defender’s angular visage but that doesn’t mean it should be mistaken for a mere dupe.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
19 May 2026
-
Artist Nadia Tayeh gave Hadid’s visage a glowing look to complement her dress.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Senior goalkeeper Ian Sorensen and his Brother Rice teammates had to endure more than a little adversity this season but still managed to have a lot of success.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Its rock-and-roll spirit endured.—
Lindsey Tramuta,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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