Frown — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈfrau̇n/

Meaning & Definition of Frown

Frown (verb)

  1. to contract the brow in displeasure or concentration
  2. to give evidence of displeasure or disapproval by or as if by facial expression
  3. to show displeasure with or disapproval of especially by facial expression

Frown (noun)

  1. an expression of displeasure
  2. a wrinkling of the brow in displeasure or concentration

Frown (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: face, grimace, lower, moue, mouth, mow, mug, pout, scowl, snoot
    related: flinch, squinch, wince, growl, snarl, rictus, simper, smirk, scoff, sneer, glare, glower, look, stare
    near: grin, laugh, smile

Frown (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to look with anger or disapproval

    "the boss just stood there and frowned at his assistant who, once again, was in trouble"

    similar: glare, gloom, glower, lower, scowl, look daggers
    related: gape, gaze, ogle, stare, grimace, pout, sulk, growl, snarl, sneer, snigger
    opposite: beam, grin, smile

Related Entry: Frown (on or upon) (verb)

Frown (on or upon) is a different word from Frown. The synonyms below are for frown (on or upon), not for frown.

  1. to hold an unfavorable opinion of

    "a usage that is frowned upon by some grammarians"

    similar: deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disesteem, disfavor, dislike, mislike, reprove, tsk-tsk, tut (over or about), tut-tut (over or about), look down one's nose (on)
    related: disrelish, object (to), pooh-pooh, reject, reprehend, reprobate, scorn, censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, discommend, chide, rebuke, reproach, scold
    opposite: approve, favor, like
    near: endorse, sanction, support, adore, delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, groove (on), love, relish, revel (in)

Related Entry: Frown (at or on) (verb)

Frown (at or on) is a different word from Frown. The synonyms below are for frown (at or on), not for frown.

  1. as in dislike, discountenance

    similar: deplore, discountenance, disfavor, dislike, grudge, censure, deny, disallow, disapprove, interdict, refuse, reject, revoke, suppress, withhold, check, curb, keep, repress, restrain, hinder, impede, obstruct, ban, enjoin, forbid, prohibit, proscribe, veto
    opposite: allow, green-light, have, permit, suffer, authorize, commission, license, accede (to), acquiesce, agree (to), assent (to), consent (to), OK, warrant

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Frown

The most common words with a similar meaning to Frown:

face, grimace, lower, moue, mouth, mow, mug, pout, scowl, snoot, glare, gloom, glower, look daggers

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Frown

Words with the opposite meaning of Frown:

beam, grin, smile

Related Words for Frown

flinch, squinch, wince, growl, snarl, rictus, simper, smirk, scoff, sneer, look, stare, gape, gaze, ogle, sulk, snigger

Near Antonyms of Frown

laugh

Word Forms of Frown

Inflections: frowned, frowning, frowns

Derived words: frowner (noun), frowningly (adverb), frowny (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Frown

Middle English frounen, from Middle French frogner to snort, frown, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh ffroen nostril, Old Irish srón nose

First known use: 14th centuryi

Words & Phrases Containing Frown

frown on/upon

Frequently Asked Questions about Frown

What does "Frown" mean?

"Frown" means to contract the brow in displeasure or concentration. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to contract the brow in displeasure or concentration. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Frown"?

Other words for "Frown" include face, grimace, lower, moue, mouth, mow, mug and pout. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Frown" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Frown"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Frown". Common alternatives include face, grimace, lower, moue, mouth, mow, mug, pout, scowl and snoot.

What is the opposite of "Frown"?

Antonyms of "Frown" include beam, grin and smile. Near antonyms include laugh.

How do you use "Frown" in a sentence?

Examples of "Frown" in a sentence: "it was clear from the frown on the CEO's face that sales were headed in the wrong direction"; "the boss just stood there and frowned at his assistant who, once again, was in trouble".

Is "Frown" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Frown" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Frown"?

"Frown" is pronounced /ˈfrau̇n/.

What is the origin of the word "Frown"?

"Frown" comes from Middle English frounen, from Middle French frogner to snort, frown, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh ffroen nostril, Old Irish srón nose. First known use: 14th centuryi.