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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of frown
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The story of Western civilization is for the most part a collection of tales told by, for, and about the ruling families whose smile was fortune and whose frown was death.
—Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Of course, one of America’s founding principles, taught in every civics class, is the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which might seem to frown on the knitting together of so many religious organizations and public funds intended to advance civic education.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frown
Noun
How to Watch North Carolina at Syracuse Bill Belichick’s first season as North Carolina head coach is winding to a whimpering close, but an ACC win over Syracuse under the Friday Night Lights would sure turn some frowns upside down at Chapel Hill.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The story of Western civilization is for the most part a collection of tales told by, for, and about the ruling families whose smile was fortune and whose frown was death.
—Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Historically, Emily Post frowned on the practice.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Of course, one of America’s founding principles, taught in every civics class, is the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which might seem to frown on the knitting together of so many religious organizations and public funds intended to advance civic education.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frown
Noun
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May wears a smile more often than not, while Underwood is more associated with a perpetual scowl.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
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Despite having her arms almost permanently crossed and a scowl on her face, Ivy eventually starts to warm up, especially to her cheerful, horny-as-a-chihuahua cabin-mate Ella (Ruby Stokes, recently seen in Bridgerton and The Burning Girls).—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And one glaring statistic told the story.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
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On the court, however, the issue is glaring.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the video, Claffey tries to move Ansell away from the subject and grimaces at the camera when his costar seems to say a little too much.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Feb. 2026
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After Malinin botched his final free in the singles competition, Cowan kept his distance as the skater crumbled into a grimace of abject disappointment.—
Colleen Barry,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Not a passive one staring at a monitor in another state, but an active presence — someone who notices the unlocked window, who hears the footstep on the porch, who understands that an elder’s sudden confusion might signal a urinary tract infection.—
Neal K. Shah,
Boston Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
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Spread your arms on the pad and just stare into space.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Gosling said in his trademark slight-smirk delivery.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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The review delayed the game, and McCarron returned with a smirk on his face and skated to the penalty box with no injury.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frown. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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