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.

But this flexibility with the case’s facts is one of many acts of distancing that aid in countenancing the unthinkable.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2025

Even this court, though, can hopefully still be shamed from countenancing the worst abuses of power likely to come before them.

From Slate • May 18, 2023

Even wise, cool heads, such as the French diplomatist Jean-Marie Guéhenno, are seriously countenancing the idea that a no-deal Brexit may be better than prolonging the agony.

From The Guardian • Apr. 9, 2019

At any rate, Rubio got flak from the right, which accused him of somehow countenancing illegal activity.

From Washington Post • Nov. 10, 2015

Was he for the present countenancing a lie, rather than permit the bursting of a bomb which would rend the family and bring his beloved mother in sorrow to the grave?

From Carmen Ariza by Stocking, Charles Francis