Synonyms of frown

frown 1 of 3

noun

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smile
• laugh
• grin

frown

2 of 3

verb (1)

ˈfrau̇n 

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smile
• beam
• grin

frown (on or upon)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to dislike

to hold an unfavorable opinion of

a usage that is frowned upon by some grammarians

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dislike
• disapprove (of)
• criticize
• reject
• disesteem
• look down one's nose (on)
• mislike
• tut (over or about)
• tut-tut (over or about)
• deprecate
• denounce
• discountenance
• condemn
• tsk-tsk
• reprove
• disfavor
• pooh
• discommend
• disrelish
• object (to)
• scorn
• scold
• pooh-pooh
• reprehend
• censure
• reprobate
• chide
• rebuke
• reproach

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• like
• approve
• favor
• support
• endorse
• enjoy
• indorse
• love
• sanction
• delight (in)
• fancy
• relish
• dig
• adore
• revel (in)
• groove (on)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of 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

Even between husband and wife, the use of any contraceptives was frowned upon — and still is, officially. —Laura Gómez, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2025

According to Mangione's lawyers, prosecutors are frowning on the laptop request, saying that some witnesses have been threatened. —CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025

Phrases Containing frown

• frown (on or upon)