frowned

Definition of frownednext
past tense of frown
as in glared
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

Relevance

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 frowned 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 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 The Big Ten has frowned upon many third-party basketball deals, especially those involving its highly visible programs. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 20 May 2026 Skateboarding, a counter-culture sport once frowned upon in the mainstream, has gained popularity in recent years. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 19 May 2026 While the bizarre urge to chuck things at rock stars performing music onstage has been around since the advent of, well, rock stars and stages, it’s increasingly frowned upon and widely considered the ultimate concert faux pas. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 Multiple 49ers, however, frowned during February’s Pro Bowl preparations when apprised of the 49ers’ potential Australia and Mexico trips. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 May 2026 Levin has not denied paying for story tips, which is frowned upon by traditional journalism outlets. ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 Mother frowned, then perked up. Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frowned
Verb
  • The two-time Masters champion spun, glared at the spectator, grumbled under his breath and seemed to point out the person to security.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 May 2026
  • The two-time Masters champion spun, glared at the spectator, grumbled under his breath and seemed to point out the person to security.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Those that attended mostly sat and scowled.
    Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Another line of attack likens the show to when bachelorette parties invade gay bars — a practice frequently scowled upon by gay patrons.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 22 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Everyone stared in silence at the man’s rudeness.
    Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
  • The two stared each other down with security guards in between them.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026

Cite this Entry

“Frowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frowned. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on frowned

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster