frown 1 of 2

Definition of frownnext
as in scowl
a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval it was clear from the frown on the CEO's face that sales were headed in the wrong direction

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frown

2 of 2

verb

as in to scowl
to look with anger or disapproval the boss just stood there and frowned at his assistant who, once again, was in trouble

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of frown
Noun
My best friend Russell is an acupuncturist, and seemed like the perfect person to place my tape, slapping it on my frown lines, crow’s-feet, and nasolabial folds. Lena Dunham, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025 Those surrounding the bride stood up and began clapping, their frowns shifting to wide smiles. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
Need to turn that frown upside down? Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 29 Apr. 2026 Levin has not denied paying for story tips, which is frowned upon by traditional journalism outlets. ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frown
Noun
  • So just sit and smile, a departure from a career built on scowl.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
  • This means a scowl is relatively likely to be an expression of anger.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Rick Bayless, the James Beard Award-winning chef whose family foundation made the gift, said the project fills a glaring gap in Chicago’s cultural landscape.
    Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • Austin Reaves, a glaring missing piece in the series opener, bounced back with a playoff career-high 31 points, but that wasn’t nearly enough for the Lakers to overcome their 21 turnovers in a 125-107 defeat.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • And Ahmed, with his fearful eyes and tense grimace, makes for a compellingly sad and isolated figure.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Charlie Lindgren’s grimace was evident behind his mask.
    Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In the fourth quarter with the game on the line, Blair called a loose-ball foul on the Cavs and Atkinson hated the call, but rather than scream or dart toward the official, Atkinson just sort of stood near his bench, staring at Blair and shaking his head.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Some sit pensively, staring into the distance—one resembles Rodin's The Thinker, his chin gently resting on his hand.
    Mary Holland, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • An elderly man offered a smirk for his mugshot after being arrested in a caught-on-camera hit-and-run involving a cyclist group.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
  • The prospect of doing it again with even larger stakes brought an excited smirk to Smart’s face.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Frown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frown. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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