to frown at

Examples

• All

• "Did everyone get the new material today?" the director asked, frowning at what Bill had just handed him.

  Fiction book (1991)

• The teacher frowned at the students who were not paying attention.

• "We got some more information," Al went on, still frowning at the link.

  Fiction book (1992)

• We'll ask them when we get back down," Luke frowned at her.

  Fiction book (1991)

• Barbara returned to her seat by the tree and frowned at the water.

  Fiction book (1992)

• I stand up and frown at a new stain on my tie.

  Fiction book (1992)

• Kathy lay on her back in bed, frowning at the ceiling.

  Fiction book (1992)

• Cy picked her up at the restaurant, frowning at her listlessness.

  Fiction book (1991)

• Sheriam Sedai stopped at the top of the ramp, frowning at what she saw.

  Fiction book (1991)

• I suggest you spend less time frowning at me and... more taking in this beautiful world we’ve just left.

  The Aeronauts (2019)

Synonyms

S

to scowl

vsto frown at

33 4.1

To give an angry look to show you do not like something

expresses milder displeasure by a simple furrowed brow

F

to frown upon

vsto frown at

23 4.2

To think something is not acceptable

is a physical facial sign showing direct personal displeasure

M

to make a face

vsto frown at

18 3.2

Move parts of your face to show dislike, pain, or to be funny

focuses specifically on a simple brow expression of disapproval

F

to frown on

vsto frown at

14 3.9

To show that you do not approve of something, often for social or official reasons

is a visible facial reaction rather than a social judgment

T

to turn up one's nose

vsto frown at

3 7.5

To show you think something is not good enough

is a lower, inward facial sign of disapproval rather than contempt gesture

B

to bridle at

vsto frown at

1 8.4

To feel offended when someone says or does something you dislike

is a direct facial expression of displeasure rather than an offended reaction

P

to pull a face

vsto frown at

• Informal

1 5.5

Make a face to show dislike or discomfort

is specifically a brief facial sign of displeasure rather than varied faces

L

to lour

vsto frown at

9.9

To look angry or dark, often by frowning

shows lighter disapproval with a brief brow movement

R

to roll one's eyes

vsto frown at

• Informal

3.7

To move your eyes away from someone to show you are annoyed or do not believe them

uses the brow to show displeasure rather than an eye movement

Antonyms

A

to approve

∞ 1.6

To officially agree to something or think that it is good

How Disapproving

to glare

49 3.2

scowl

15 3.9

to frown at

16 2.3

to raise an eyebrow

9 4.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology