frown

An expression with your eyebrows drawn together, showing worry, anger, or deep thought.

• A frown appeared on her face.
• He read the bill with a puzzled frown.
• Her frown disappeared when she heard the explanation.

Similar words: scowl

Opposites: smile

Common phrases: a deep frown, with a frown, a puzzled frown

To bring your eyebrows together because you are unhappy, worried, or thinking hard.

• He frowned and shook his head.
• Why are you frowning at me?
• She frowned as she tried to remember the address.

How to use it: frown at someone/something (She frowned at the strange marks on the page.)

Similar words: scowl

Opposites: smile

Common phrases: frown at someone, frown in confusion, frown slightly

To show that you think something is wrong or unacceptable.

• They frown on waste.
• Smoking indoors is frowned upon here.
• My parents frowned on borrowing money from friends.

How to use it: frown on/upon something (The company frowns upon personal calls during work.); be frowned upon (Cheating is frowned upon in every sport.)

Similar words: disapprove of, take a dim view of

Opposites: approve

Common phrases: frown on something, frown upon something

To show a feeling or message by bringing your eyebrows together.

• He frowned his displeasure.
• She frowned a silent warning at the children.
• The guard frowned his answer and closed the gate.

How to use it: frown something (She frowned her disapproval without saying a word.)

Common phrases: frown one's displeasure, frown one's disapproval, frown a warning