COUNTENANCES Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

countenances 1 of 2

noun

plural of countenance

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

as in faces

the front part of the head a fairly pretty countenance

Synonyms & Similar Words

countenances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of countenance

as in accepts

to have a favorable opinion of I don't countenance such behavior in children of any age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Noun

More people could look at their own countenances more accurately, and more often. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 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

Participants’ movements, facial expressions and vocal reactions (along with a little interpretation from accompanying parents) suggested a clear winner.

— Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Felipe Varela Whittier The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of expressions

Noun

The women wore maroon unitards with subtle puffed sleeves, while Danchig-Waring’s tank unitard featured two faces in profile, each hugging a side of his waist.

— Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Lake Mead and Lake Powell are the visible faces of the Southwest’s critical water problem, as the Colorado River — which supplies water to nearly 40 million people — shrinks due to a combination of climate change and human demand.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of faces

Verb

At the end of the chain, oxygen accepts the electrons and, together with protons, becomes water.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
After the portal accepts your filing Use the portal’s search function to locate an existing notice and monitor your filing record.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of accepts

Verb

Scientists have long marveled at how the human body tolerates extreme heat — and what that means for our health.

— Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
That also suggests the league accepts, or at least tolerates, the flag-heavy officiating that has come to define the early months of the season.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of tolerates

Noun

Ole Miss receivers won against the Tigers in single-high coverage the first half, and continued to do so against two-deep looks in the second half.

— PJ Green October 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
This week’s best beauty looks were a little nostalgic and very playful.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of looks

Verb

This represents just under a third of overall staff numbers, which now stands at 24 across offices in Brighton and Glasgow, according to Ricochet’s website.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
With 30 audio sensors listening for racket strikes and ball bounces, and four cameras tracking play, the machine stands at one end of the net, offering interactive drills and real-time feedback, and recording and analyzing matches.

— Matthew Huff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of stands

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countenanced

countenances

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Style

“Countenances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenances. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of countenances

noun

verb

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