look 1 of 2

Definition of looknext

look

2 of 2

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

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
Occasional raking keeps gravel looking neat, and leaf-blowing a few times a season clears fallen leaves. Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026 The five-star analyst added that growing demand in scale-up networking is giving confidence in continued strength in future earnings, encouraging investors to look beyond 2027 and factor in these opportunities. Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
From the buzz of the post position draw to the first look at the morning-line odds, Derby week always feels like the sport cracking open a fresh bottle of adrenaline. Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Take an honest look at finances. Glamour, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • The two seem poles apart philosophically — when Cherki assisted Foden with a rabona earlier in the season, Guardiola urged him to learn from Lionel Messi’s ‘simplicity’.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • To the uninitiated, the distinction may seem insignificant.
    Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Matthew Harris, of Oakland, allegedly confessed in full to the Wells Fargo bank robbery, expressing remorse and blaming his addiction to fentanyl, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Carter Braxton Worth, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Cassandra Hutchison, an aesthetician who gives the treatments at the spa, said the ingredient is intended to repair skin and keep inflammation down.
    Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Plus these new collectors really do intend to use their design pieces, not store them in a tax-free haven across the Atlantic.
    David Lê, Curbed, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Photograph by Glen Wilson / Lionsgate Fuqua’s low-key approach is both a natural expression of his personality and a shrewd stratagem to reassure people around him that everything is under control.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • An artist observes carefully, especially things that go unnoticed — and transforms these observations into meaningful expressions.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At first glance, fishing and brokerage seem worlds apart.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
  • At first glance, this appears to contradict Theory of Relativity, which establishes the speed of light as the ultimate cosmic speed limit.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • During their time together, Snead and McVay built teams that have played in two Super Bowls, winning one, and made eight playoff appearances.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • His most notable appearance was back in 2011.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hail the beauty queen Some of the best beauty products for moms are made by moms.
    Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Rooted in education and driven by innovation, CHI stands as a symbol of clean, bold beauty built on a legacy of excellence.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There are so many exquisite, Netherlandish, hyperreal details to admire in the piece—the shadow of Giovanna’s necklace, the enamel decorations on her cross, the frizz of her hair—but there’s something about the ribbon that feels like a banner of heartbreak.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Mead has started 10 of Arsenal’s 17 WSL matches this season, and with her contract expiring in June — the same month as England’s final two qualifiers — her next move feels crucial.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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