countenanced

VERB

approve, support

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abet condone stand for

STRONG

accept advocate aid applaud approbate back champion commend confirm cope encourage endorse favor handle help invite okay sanction swallow uphold

WEAK

bear with get behind give green light give stamp of approval give the nod go along with go for grin and bear it hold with live with nod at put John Hancock on put up with sign off on sit still for smile on stomach something thumbs up

Antonyms

STRONG

block censure criticize deny disagree disapprove discourage dissuade hinder hurt injure obstruct oppose protest refuse reject repudiate veto

WEAK

fight

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It understood its sector — venture capitalists and technology start-ups — and made loans that national banks would never have countenanced.

From New York Times • Apr. 1, 2023

Because it is outrageous that such a wealthy city has countenanced inhuman living conditions like this for years.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 25, 2023

Ms. Notz, though, said the founders never countenanced the idea of revocation so those shouldn’t count.

From Washington Times • Sep. 28, 2022

Too stupid or too bold to be countenanced as serious.

From Slate • Jan. 5, 2021

Despite the ominous tone, and my better instincts, I’d countenanced enough inmate misbehavior and disrespect to feel invigorated by the thought that this is where it all stops.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover