SCOWL Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

scowl 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scowl

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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scowl

2 of 2

verb

ˈskau̇(-ə)l

as in to glare

to look with anger or disapproval scowled down at the misbehaving child

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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

Leaving home without a hat, scarf, gloves, umbrella, and/or scowl. — Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 May wears a smile more often than not, while Underwood is more associated with a perpetual scowl. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

Verb

Even Lee is in on the joke, emerging from the cornfield like some interplanetary Shoeless Joe Jackson to first scowl at the kids, then dive into a bit of Psy’s signature pony dance. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 8 May 2026 But there’s more to Brind’Amour than the person fans see screaming and scowling behind the bench or stomping around the dressing room in a postwin video looking like some combination of Godzilla and Chris Farley’s famous Matt Foley character. — Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scowl

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scowl

Noun

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
Lee indulges that emotional ambiguity, the way the pedal steel can blur the distinction between a frown and a smile.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026

Definition of frown

Verb

There was one glaring error that allowed the pass rush to get to Osborne and affect his throw, which landed in the arms of a linebacker in the middle of the field for his first interception of the year.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
The duo's defiance paved the way for a resolution to condemn socialism, a key election-year messaging bill for the GOP that drew glaring defections among Democrats, many of whom were incensed at the turn of events.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of glare

Noun

Orion gave a smirk and thumbs up to the camera while Keats made a funny face and stuck his tongue out.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of smirk

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scow

scowl

scowled

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

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Synonyms of scowl

noun

verb

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