Synonyms of look

look 1 of 2

verb

ˈlu̇k 

1

as in to seem

to give the impression of being

it looks like it might rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seem
• feel
• sound
• appear
• make
• act
• come across (as)
• pretend
• come off (as)
• resemble
• suggest
• recall
• imply
• dissemble
• hint
• insinuate

2

as in to express

to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion)

the music teacher looked her displeasure with a fierce frown

Synonyms & Similar Words

• express
• voice
• give
• state
• sound
• say
• announce
• write
• expound
• air
• put forth
• raise
• describe
• ventilate
• convey
• vent
• proclaim
• publish
• give air to
• advertise
• declare
• offer
• disseminate
• submit
• circulate
• write up
• speak out
• broadcast
• enunciate
• speak up
• communicate
• put over
• enounce
• put across
• sound off
• chime in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• suppress
• restrict
• restrain
• stifle
• censor

3

as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal

they were looking to make a fast buck

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intend
• plan
• go
• hope
• try
• mean
• contemplate
• wish
• aim
• propose
• design
• purpose
• calculate
• aspire
• attempt
• allow
• purport
• consider
• meditate
• figure on
• dream
• strive
• struggle
• ponder
• achieve
• debate
• accomplish
• endeavor
• scheme
• perform
• effect
• mull (over)
• execute
• plot

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

• expression
• face
• smile
• grin
• countenance
• cast
• visage
• frown
• scowl
• grimace
• mouth
• appearance
• presence
• demeanor
• pout
• manner
• bearing
• air
• lower
• aspect
• mien

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

• glance
• glimpse
• peek
• stare
• view
• peep
• gaze
• gander
• sight
• glare
• eye
• cast
• regard
• ogle
• gape
• leer
• squint
• side-glance
• squinny
• coup d'oeil

3

as in appearance

the outward form of someone or something especially as indicative of a quality

the bride's father has the look of a prosperous businessman

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appearance
• presence
• attitude
• demeanor
• manner
• dress
• outside
• figure
• aspect
• garb
• mien
• shape
• person
• regard
• posture
• pose
• behavior
• cut of one's jib
• face
• turn
• stance
• bearing
• air
• deportment
• features
• poise
• carriage
• mold
• comportment
• cast
• coloring
• color
• complexion
• countenance
• visage
• habit
• physiognomy
• habitus
• superficies

4

as in beauty

looks plural the qualities in a person or thing that as a whole give pleasure to the senses

a supermodel's career tends to be entirely based on her exceptional good looks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beauty
• attractiveness
• appeal
• beautifulness
• prettiness
• cuteness
• attraction
• elegance
• aesthetics
• desirability
• fairness
• comeliness
• loveliness
• desirableness
• sightliness
• glamour
• handsomeness
• fascination
• charm
• gorgeousness
• sex appeal
• allure
• sexiness
• delightfulness
• beauteousness
• seductiveness
• radiance
• perfection
• glossiness
• resplendence
• radiancy
• sublimity
• gloriousness
• shapeliness
• resplendency
• pulchritude
• lusciousness
• exquisiteness
• flawlessness
• daintiness
• slickness
• nubility
• flashiness
• showiness
• splendidness
• sublimeness
• flamboyance
• foxiness
• splendiferousness
• splashiness
• superbness
• delicacy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ugliness
• plainness
• homeliness
• hideousness
• grotesqueness
• unsightliness
• unattractiveness
• blemish
• vileness
• nastiness
• unloveliness
• foulness
• flaw
• repulsiveness
• imperfection
• terribleness
• dreadfulness
• repellency
• disagreeableness
• offensiveness
• loathsomeness
• ghastliness
• horribleness
• unbecomingness

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

Recent Examples of look

Verb

If for some reason a franchise deliberately attempted to minimize the impact of an incredible group of skill players, the result would look a lot like the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Earlier this year, Jackson warned about the court looking too partisan in a decision about congressional maps. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Noun

Dang will be Head of Production at Lux Angeles, working alongside a new look executive team comprising co-CEOs Matt Macur and Rebecca O’Hara, chair Steve Fabos, COO Lenny Vitulli, CRO Thomas Walton and Creative Executive Damien Douglas. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

The pair opted last year to maintain its relationship with the streaming giant, signing another multiyear, first-look deal. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing look

• look (at)
• look (into)
• look (on or upon)
• look (toward)
• look after
• look at
• look daggers
• look down (on or upon)
• look down one's nose (at)
• look for
• look forward to
• look out (for)
• look out for
• look to
• look up