COUNTENANCE Synonyms: 190 Similar and Opposite Words

countenance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tᵊn-ən(t)s

Definition of countenance

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

as in face

the front part of the head a fairly pretty countenance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

countenance

2 of 2

verb

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

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

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 countenance

Noun

McVay had spent the previous availability explaining the reason for his somber and dour countenance during an awkward news conference the night before. — Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026 His spirit and countenance is right. — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 29 May 2026

Verb

In addition, there is something about the crime that Lasdun, who is himself married with children, cannot countenance. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 So, like Croatia, who turned to 40-year-old Luka Modric in their opening game against England, and Portugal, who could not countenance being without Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, in their opener, Bosnia reached for their own vintage performer. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for countenance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenance

Noun

Current facial recognition systems, originally developed for photographs, can compare faces despite differences in pose, lighting, expression, age, and image quality.

— Karen Chernick, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Elaborate veils and rigid dress codes gradually gave way to more personal expressions of grief, while black dresses and tailoring became enduring wardrobe staples.

— Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of expression

Verb

Other individuals simply need help learning to tolerate the discomfort of seeing trypophobic images.

— Gabriela Galvin, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
No more broken promises, rampant corruption, or tolerating an elite class living in luxury while the citizens are ignored.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of tolerate

Noun

There was even an implementation of a new look with offensive tackle Broderick Jones lining up outside of tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford for two run plays that resulted in 20 yards.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
This is a tidy and attractive bike, with a lot of the cabling internally routed to keep the look nice and clean.

— Loz Blain October 26, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of look

Noun

On screen, Guitarrica’s expressive and angular visage conveys the fright and uncertainty that afflict his character, who is desperate for tenderness.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Don’t be fooled by the film’s advertising, which features an image of Neeson’s scowling visage dwarfing Levi aiming an automatic weapon.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of visage

Verb

The Ukrainian capital endured a noisy night as 21 ballistic missiles came in three waves, Zelenskyy said, smashing apartment buildings, energy facilities, a railway station and the Kyiv subway system, shopping malls and businesses.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, Lebanon endured an intense civil war.

— Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of endure

Cite this Entry

Style

“Countenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of countenance

noun

verb

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