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
Frank Barry, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
Supporters were taken aback by news of United’s willingness to countenance offers for Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, with Napoli and Chelsea both pursuing the latter.
—Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
Freed from the need to justify his actions in traditional terms, the president has enacted policies no predecessor would have countenanced while moving to purge any internal dissenters.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Noun
Without listening to these dissenting voices, the Democratic Party seems unable to recognize — or countenance — that many of them favor middle-ground positions.
—Frank Barry, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
Supporters were taken aback by news of United’s willingness to countenance offers for Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, with Napoli and Chelsea both pursuing the latter.
—Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
And there’s a refusal on the part of these groups to countenance that.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
Freed from the need to justify his actions in traditional terms, the president has enacted policies no predecessor would have countenanced while moving to purge any internal dissenters.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for countenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance
Noun
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This positioning—prioritizing personalized content discovery over prestige, big-budget originals—has shaped every expression since, from product UX to B2B creative.—
Laura Ratliff,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Her notably serious facial expression drew concern and playful teasing from fans on social media.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But markets are betting on more stimulus being rolled out soon in the face of the escalating China-U.S. trade war.—
Hannah Lang and Rae Wee,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Their mothers are protective, and the entire troop will work together to defend the baby in the face of a threat, according to testimony from U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Smith fills a vital role as a defensive-minded midfielder who is adept at winning balls in the air and never losing her composure.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
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Their insights can offer new perspectives and practical advice on how to manage rejection while maintaining your professional composure.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
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To pay off the debt, Quinn accepts an invitation from her old mentor, Katherine (Kate Burton), to serve as a pianist at the New York Philharmonic.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Read the full Libra Daily Horoscope Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Sick and tired of tolerating it?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
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Despite their native habitat in moist woods and along stream banks, plants tolerate dry soil and drought.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Drinking more water really is key to glowing skin, an extra few hours of sleep does more… Accessorize Pearl Jam Pearls are back, as one look at the Paris runways will attest.—
Michael Odell,
Air Mail,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And that’s not even getting into the AI abomination that this movie does to the soul (and visage) of the late Ian Holm. 46.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
28 Feb. 2025
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Oscar Wilde’s infamous antihero Dorian Gray probably would’ve loved to have a barrage of cameras pointed at him, reflecting his gorgeous visage.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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In response to mounting international pressure, Maduro’s administration has sought to project confidence, insisting that Venezuela can endure the latest wave of U.S. economic measures.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2025
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This movie captures the story that inspired extraordinary generosity and a legacy that endures today through every student and graduate of our school.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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