Synonyms of frown

frown 1 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scowl
• grimace
• smirk
• mouth
• pout
• face
• moue
• stare
• sneer
• lower
• look
• wince
• snarl
• mow
• growl
• glare
• mug
• snoot
• flinch
• rictus
• glower
• scoff
• squinch
• simper

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smile
• laugh
• grin

frown

2 of 2

verb

ˈfrau̇n 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scowl
• glare
• stare
• glower
• gloom
• gaze
• grimace
• lower
• sneer
• gape
• snarl
• sulk
• look daggers
• pout
• ogle
• snigger
• growl

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smile
• beam
• grin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of frown

Noun

Turning a smile into a frown, or a frown into a smile. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 June 2026

No smiles, no frowns, no fluctuations of body warmth. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

Verb

Such behavior is typically frowned upon by most major news organizations, which want their reporters to be viewed as neutral chroniclers of the subjects and institutions to which they are assigned. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Private schools offer another route, but are still frowned upon as a way to buy an advantage. — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing frown

• frown (on or upon)