Definition of COUNTENANCING (original) (raw)

Examples of countenance in a Sentence

Noun

… his white countenance was rendered eerie by the redness of the sagging lids below his eyes … —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994 You could see it in his frame and deportment … a beaming countenance, expansive salutations, a warm handshake … —Simon Schama, Granta, Autumn 1990 All, all are kind to me but their tones fall strangely on my ear & their countenances meet mine not like home faces … —Emily Dickinson 17 Feb. 1848, in Selected Letters, (1914) 1986 Before receiving him, Henry had so possessed himself that no one could guess from his countenance with what sentiments he remembered the young king. —Amy Kelly, Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings, 1950

The photograph showed his somber countenance. a pleasant countenance that puts visitors at ease Verb

But there are only two logical choices … . If you can't countenance the first, you have to accept the second. —Anna Quindlen, Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2007 … the constellation of family emotions—love, obedience, rivalry, repression—can turn a family into a moral system of its own in which even the greatest horrors can be countenanced in the name of loyalty and love … —Scott Turow, Times Literary Supplement, 15 Mar. 1991 They disapproved of the marriage, and could not be expected to countenance it. —Thomas Hardy, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891

I don't countenance such behavior in children of any age. countenanced the delays and inconveniences of traveling by air with good grace

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Even during the height of their PSR crisis last June, Newcastle did not countenance letting Isak leave, even though Chelsea made tentative enquiries. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 The outpour of resentment triggers the General’s paranoia; Toan Le is fabulous in this episode, paring back the General’s goofy countenance to reveal the gnawing delusions of a defeated and increasingly dangerous man. —Terry Nguyen, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2024

Although Europe’s top clubs are monitoring his contractual situation, Bayern are not countenancing selling. —The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Barcelona would only countenance a permanent sale if a significant offer is brought to the table, with Flick keen for Araujo to remain part of his squad. —Callum Davis, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for countenance