look 1 of 2

look

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noun

1
as in expression
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling you should have seen the look on your face when we yelled "Surprise!"

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in glance
an instance of looking especially briefly she gave the junk mail a quick look before throwing it in the wastebasket

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb look contrast with its synonyms?

The words expect and hope are common synonyms of look. While all three words mean "to await some occurrence or outcome," look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness.

looks to a tidy profit from the sale
look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

When might expect be a better fit than look?

The meanings of expect and look largely overlap; however, expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning.

expects to be finished by Tuesday

When is it sensible to use hope instead of look?

While the synonyms hope and look are close in meaning, hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen.

hopes to find a job soon

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of look
Verb
As the final track of the movie, it’s paired with live-action footage of the cast and musical artists during recording sessions, offering a celebratory behind-the-scenes look at the film’s creation. Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 14 July 2025 And who better to look to for inspiration than Martha Stewart? Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Noun
Her influence reached far beyond politics, solidifying her status as a bona fide style icon, with her timeless looks emulated by celebrities such as Kris Jenner over the years. Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 July 2025 Fabrics by Advance blend Naia Renew with cotton, polyester and lyocell to deliver a variety of looks and hand feels. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • There seems to have been some confusion about the severity of the misdemeanor to which Brown ultimately pleaded no contest.
    Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • A number of prominent politicians of both parties have expressed grief over the incident.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 29 July 2025
  • There are numerous ways to show your gratitude, but one of the most memorable ways to express it is in person.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • According to Renaissance Capital, cornerstone investors intend to purchase 20% of the shares in the offering.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • That number has exploded to over 111,000 today, and according to a report by Flywheel Associates, 71% of top senior talent intend to build this kind of portfolio career in the coming years.
    Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • There was an expression on his face, something between a smile and a smirk.
    Mona Awad, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Through gene expression studies, the team determined these proteins were actively produced and regulated – social control molecules secreted through their natural antennae, the spines.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • At first glance, some features of Florida’s charter schools appear more private than public.
    Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025
  • The Cost-Saving Promise Of The Cloud At first glance, the cloud seems like a no-brainer for cost efficiency.
    Melkon Hovhannisyan, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Between her performance, an aerialist’s acrobatics, and courtside appearances from stars like Leslie Jones, Dawn Staley, Bam Adebayo, and Robin Roberts, All-Star Weekend doubled as a celebration of sports and entertainment.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 21 July 2025
  • In an appearance on the Paramount+ series The Checkup with Dr. David Agus, Ashton revealed a terrifying and emotional moment when the brothers were kids.
    Grace Gavilanes, People.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Through exhibits, publications and educational programs, the museum educates its millions of visitors about the beauty and cultural significance of country music.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Just 45 minutes south of Lisbon, this port town has become one of the most talked-about retirement spots in the country, known for its sheer beauty and proximity to the city.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • So why does life feel costly for many Michiganders?
    Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • His loss is deeply felt across the entire ROTC and Rutgers community.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 27 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

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