countenanced 1 of 2

adjective

as in condoned

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countenanced

2 of 2

verb

past tense of countenance
1
as in accepted
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 tolerated
to put up with (something painful or difficult) countenanced the delays and inconveniences of traveling by air with good grace

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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 countenanced
Verb
The idea is floated that Alice married Hagood because her churchgoing parents would not have countenanced her going to Paris any other way; then again, photographs of him present a man of striking good looks. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countenanced
  1. condoned
  2. accepted
  3. tolerated
  4. sanctioned
  5. endured
  6. supported
  7. handled
  8. promoted
Adjective
  • If cynicism has become not only condoned but essential, how are we supposed to know when to roll our eyes and when to actually become concerned?
    — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 22 Aug. 2025
Definition of condoned
Verb
  • Progress on a new distribution deal has been glacial but Premier League clubs have, at least, recently put a proper offer to EFL, though one which seems unlikely to be accepted.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Ruiz was also amiable and generous-hearted in these moments, less severe than usual, and accepted their help.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of accepted
Verb
  • The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated.
    — Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Stern’s decisive response to the Malice at the Palace – the suspensions of the players as well as the punishments meted out to the fans – sent a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of tolerated
Adjective
  • That process determines whether the subject may correspond to a sanctioned party.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Separately, Oman’s Environment Authority is warning that an oil spill from a sanctioned tanker carrying Russian crude has now reached some beaches in Ras Madrakah in the southeast of the country.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanctioned
Verb
  • Crystal Palace beat 2025 champions Liverpool on penalties in last season’s showpiece, before Liverpool endured a disappointing title defence.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Yet for Asian countries that endured Japanese imperial rule and expansion, Yasukuni remains a symbol of Japan’s militarism.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of endured
Adjective
  • When a leader is responsible for too many people, employees can start to feel less seen, less supported and less guided.
    — Bronwen Sciortino, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Definition of supported
Verb
  • The administration argues that some of its functions could be handled by private companies.
    — Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Negotiations for the sales attachment were handled by Ariel and Ehud Bleiberg for Bleiberg Entertainment and by Miriam Segal for Good Films Collective.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of handled
Adjective
  • Qualifying for European football as a promoted side?
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Definition of promoted

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countenanced
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Cite this Entry

“Countenanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countenanced. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on countenanced

Nglish: Translation of countenanced for Spanish Speakers

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