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

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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 As the odd man out, Meta does not have a public cloud, and its capex increase was frowned upon by investors. Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 6 May 2026 While Splitter remains a candidate for the full-time job, the franchise opened its search before the season ended, a practice that is frowned upon league-wide. Devon Henderson, New York Times, 1 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 At many traditional Japanese ryokans and onsen hot springs, tattoos are frowned upon, and tattooed guests will be refused entry. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 Williams hadn’t qualified but jumped in as a bandit – a practice that is prohibited now but happened more regularly back then (although it was frowned upon). Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026 Unlike today, the federal government during the Great Depression frowned upon mega companies and Congress passed the Air Mail Act of 1934. John Pacenti, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, loud prints and bright colors are frowned upon — something tournament organizers addressed with Jason Day in 2024. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frowned
Verb
  • As Soler began walking toward the mound, López held up his hands as the two glared at each other before both started throwing punches.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • As Soler began walking toward the mound, López held up his hands and the two glared at each other before both started throwing punches.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 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
  • Ramzan looked to her, pleading, but Sakeena’s eyes only stared into their reflection on the glass patio door.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 May 2026
  • The Nuggets stared into the eyes of a pack of Wolves, and blinked.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 May 2026

Cite this Entry

“Frowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frowned. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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