as in grimace
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to glare
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
as in to dislike
to hold an unfavorable opinion of
a usage that is frowned upon by some grammarians
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in scowling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in glaring
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
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 frown
Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Pet cam captures puppy's heartbreaking reaction to being left alone
Read more
Pet cam captures puppy's heartbreaking reaction to being left alone
The photos shared in the follow-up video again show Dolly rocking a frown.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
Egor Karpovich, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
While that aggressiveness is frowned upon in most practice drills — especially against a star such as Taylor — it will be welcomed on Saturdays.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frown
Noun
But their smiles soon turned into frowns when Mack's diamond engagement ring fell down a sewer drain.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Pet cam captures puppy's heartbreaking reaction to being left alone
Read more
Pet cam captures puppy's heartbreaking reaction to being left alone
The photos shared in the follow-up video again show Dolly rocking a frown.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
Traditionally, these two types of travel have been kept entirely separate, and it has been frowned upon to mix one with the other.
—Egor Karpovich, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
While that aggressiveness is frowned upon in most practice drills — especially against a star such as Taylor — it will be welcomed on Saturdays.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frown
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frown
Noun
-
Monday’s developments were greeted with grimace around town.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Monday’s developments were greeted with grimace around town.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That whoop-ass machine is played with a fierce scowl by MMA fighter Michelle Waterson.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
-
In body and scowl, Paquita radiated like the Disney villain Ursula — a character also inspired by a drag queen, famed actor and performer Divine — but in spirit and heart was far from the sea-dwelling witch who stole an innocent mermaid’s voice.—
Alex Zaragoza,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, Towns amplifies the style their franchise player likes to rock while also addressing a glaring positional need.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
The lackluster performance during Denver’s 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, when the team’s running backs gained only 35 rushing yards on 11 carries, serves as the most glaring example.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
The days’ loss was evident in his sullen expression, but his presence indicated his desire to play before Arniel confirmed it.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
-
For the Canucks, however, and for their fans, there’s no time to be sullen about Tocchet’s decision.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Though adidas has recently dropped the Tokyo in metallic and neon colorways, this leather-and-suede version featuring a muted grey body is, in our eyes, a more adaptable choice.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 May 2025
-
The officer saw a grey Cybertruck on fire, with an unbroken Molotov cocktail in an apple cider vinegar bottle lying nearby.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Home to some of our favorite bedding and bath towels, Brooklinen offers this sheet set, which comes in playful patterns and interesting colors like basil green and a subtle gray and white stripe.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
14 May 2025
-
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end wore a blue and white graphic T-shirt under a sleek gray blazer paired with matching gray trousers, with his hair slicked back.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frown. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share