frowned; frowning; frowns
Synonyms of frown

intransitive verb

1
: to contract the brow in displeasure or concentration
frowned in anger
2
: to give evidence of displeasure or disapproval by or as if by facial expression
Critics frown on the idea.

transitive verb

: to show displeasure with or disapproval of especially by facial expression
… I will be neither frowned nor ridiculed into error …Noah Webster
frowner noun
frowningly adverb

Examples of frown in a Sentence

She was frowning when she entered the room, so I knew that she was annoyed about something. the boss just stood there and frowned at his assistant who, once again, was in trouble
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.
In a pre-AI world, companies would’ve frowned upon allowing clients to bypass the online front door to their services. Hugh Son, CNBC, 3 June 2026 Don’t Kill Reach with External Links Like any business that makes money from advertising, LinkedIn frowns upon directing people away from LinkedIn to another site. William Arruda, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Here is our review of a 2025-26 campaign that’s ended with more smiles than frowns. Carl Anka, New York Times, 26 May 2026 On Saturday, Hill defended Carter after former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes explained why publicly targeting a teammate is frowned upon inside an NFL locker room. Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for frown

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frounen, from Middle French frogner to snort, frown, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh ffroen nostril, Old Irish srón nose

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frown was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frown. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

frown

1 of 2 verb
1
: to wrinkle the forehead (as in anger or thought)
2
: to show displeasure or disapproval by or as if by facial expression
frowns on rudeness
frowner noun
frowningly adverb

frown

2 of 2 noun
1
: an expression of displeasure
2
: a wrinkling of the brow in displeasure or thought

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