1
as in accepting
to have a favorable opinion of
I don't countenance such behavior in children of any age
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tolerating
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 countenancing
The castrato was proud to call himself the boy’s father, never publicly countenancing the reality that this was impossible.
—
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenancing
Verb
-
Seizing Opportunity for Operational Success Rather than accepting the state of the industry, Kamboj recognized an opportunity.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Just after accepting a third-option role behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, James was thrust back into the top spot when the star guards were injured April 2.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Investors aren't tolerating that anymore.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2026
-
While all the common camellia species make a fine hedge, the species Camellia sasanqua has the advantage of tolerating both full sun and partial shade.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Rai Cinema International Distribution, which is handling world sales, will unveil first footage in Cannes, with the production slated for completion in the fourth quarter of the year.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Endorphins and serotonin spike, and over time the brain gets better at handling stressful conditions.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Supporters say those changes would close long-standing gaps in accountability.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
But the regime is still standing and its new leaders appear more radical and open to confrontation than the previous ones.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
But this district — with seven elementary and two middle schools — is enduring a crippling strike, affecting about 3,400 students drawn from Santa Fe Springs and parts of Norwalk and Downey.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Earlier in the day, Charles delivered a rare address to a joint session of Congress, highlighting the second day of his four-day state visit and placing the spotlight on the strained but enduring relationship between his country and the United States.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their senior royal roles in 2020 due to media intrusion and racist coverage, eventually taking residence in Canada and, later, California, with their two children – Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Brown said Atlanta was taking away the Knicks’ spray game, which made the answer simpler.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Four people were listed in critical condition and two suffered minor injuries after sustaining stab wounds or cuts, a spokeswoman for the Tacoma Fire Department said earlier on Thursday, AP reported.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
-
Colbert converted from safety to linebacker last season and excelled on special teams before sustaining a season-ending injury in the second half of the year.—
Omar Kelly
May 1,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Countenancing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenancing. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
