scowl 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scowlnext
as in frown
a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval the man across the street never seems to wear anything but a scowl

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scowl

2 of 2

verb

ˈskau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce scowl (audio)
as in to glare
to look with anger or disapproval scowled down at the misbehaving child

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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 scowl
Noun
This means a scowl is relatively likely to be an expression of anger. — Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026 Leaving home without a hat, scarf, gloves, umbrella, and/or scowl. — Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
Suzanne, the sulky, artistic type, scowls and pointedly ignores their noisy energy. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026 That is one of the tantalizing questions bubbling up in A Talent for Murder, in which Helen Mirren embodies Highsmith in all her devious, scowling genius. — Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scowl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scowl
  1. frown
  2. glare
  3. grimace
  4. stare
  5. smirk
Noun
  • Among the terminated is a welder, Choi Ho-seok (Sul Kyung-gu), who wears a frown so implacable that it might have been etched in steel.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The late-night host teasingly drew his face into a frown in order to copy Washington’s facial expression.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of frown
Verb
  • But to do it without five of his six best weapons speaks not only to his excellence but the glaring shortcomings in the Dolphins’ defense.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Doncic came right back, drilling a three-pointer over Gary Payton II on the next possession and put his fingers on his lips and glared at the crowd.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of glare
Noun
  • Edwards was seen grabbing his knee with a grimace at one point Sunday during the home opener.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • During his cross-examination, the pain became obvious in McDonald’s grimace.
    — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of grimace
Verb
  • Strangers have always stared at Jontay Porter because of his height.
    — New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Jovovich captioned the photo, a close-up of her lookalike teenager staring into the camera.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of stare
Noun
  • But Florida’s Halloween nightmare keeps coming back wearing a red visor, flashing that devilish smirk and getting the last laugh.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The pair barely crack more than a perfunctory smirk, in stark contrast to the uproarious laughter emanating from Fielder’s laptop screen.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of smirk

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Cite this Entry

“Scowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scowl. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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