Synonyms of scowl

scowl 1 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frown
• grimace
• smirk
• mouth
• pout
• face
• moue
• stare
• sneer
• snarl
• growl
• look
• wince
• mow
• lower
• glare
• mug
• snoot
• flinch
• rictus
• glower
• squinch
• scoff
• simper

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smile
• laugh
• grin

scowl

2 of 2

verb

ˈskau̇(-ə)l 

as in to glare

to look with anger or disapproval

scowled down at the misbehaving child

Synonyms & Similar Words

• glare
• stare
• frown
• glower
• gaze
• gloom
• grimace
• sneer
• gape
• snarl
• look daggers
• lower
• pout
• sulk
• ogle
• growl
• snigger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smile
• beam
• grin

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scowl

Noun

May wears a smile more often than not, while Underwood is more associated with a perpetual scowl. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

His fierce disposition in competition — the scowl, the pumping of fists and the guttural yells after big plays — came in stark contrast to his off-court good nature and broad grins. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Verb

As a 7-year-old, I’d entertain my father’s friends, at their weekly pickup game at a Bronx barn-house gymnasium, by imitating his game face—bottom lip jutting, eyes scowling. — Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026

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