Countenances are synonymous with facial expressions, visages, and mien. These words all refer to the appearance or expression of a person's face. A person's countenance can convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and happiness to sadness and anger. Visages are often used in literature to describe the appearance of characters and are often associated with the portrayal of emotions. Mien refers more specifically to the character or personality that is conveyed through a person's countenance. Regardless of the specific word used, all of these synonyms for countenances describe the way a person's face conveys their thoughts and emotions to others.