frowned

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

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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 frowned Puni is entrenched at right guard for his third season, and Foerster has frowned on the idea of shifting him to the vacant left-guard spot. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 July 2026 The maid remained at the door while Helen took a seat on the sofa, and Sonya frowned. Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 In the end, pushing extremes is favorable, and seeking consensus is frowned upon. J.c. Polanco, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 They were expelled from several schools by 1896 at just 16 years old, and followed their hearts to do traditional performances at a time when celebrating their people was frowned upon in society. William Earl, Variety, 26 June 2026 The upstairs neighbors would like to go to sleep somewhere between 9 at night and midnight, and so applause was frowned upon at the Gaslight. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026 Oftentimes, disabling security protections is frowned upon. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026 While frowned upon by many who want Illinois’ election laws changed, the process of challenging petitions is perfectly legal. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026 Plus, here are the results of a recent survey of 5,200 local residents by the Japan Private Railway Association, which additionally found that strong perfumes worn by tourists, sitting styles, and even sneezing are all frowned upon. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frowned
Verb
  • Still, as the rockets glared and smoke from pre-match pyrotechnics faded, those seats filled quickly.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 July 2026
  • Although Brown was absent from Howe’s lyrics, his specter glared from between the lines, apocalyptic and militant.
    Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 8 June 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
  • But as anyone who’s stared at a wall of swatches well knows, choosing the right shade can feel paralyzing.
    Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026
  • When the house lights came on, some stared at their neighbors in shock.
    Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 30 July 2026

Cite this Entry

“Frowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frowned. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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