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

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
But in January, with Ball dishing, Brandon Miller rolling, Miles Bridges dunking, Diabate rebounding and rookie Kon Knueppel providing some of everything, the Hornets have looked formidable. Scott Fowler The Charlotte Observer, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026 Hassan was looking at his phone, his face serious. Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Noun
Readers can find a detailed look at the sneaker and its accessories below. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 31 Jan. 2026 Btfbm Faux Fur Coat This faux fur coat adds a fuzzy twist to the classic peacoat look, blending plush comfort with a put-together feel. Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • Why would a shark’s metabolism stay flat during a process that seems, intuitively, expensive?
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • His face seemed to flash through colors, his cheeks rouged, then went pink, then yellow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Kennedy expressed openness to building on modest reforms that already passed the House, chiefly more money for body cameras and de-escalation training.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Lemon was charged with conspiring to violate someone’s constitutional rights and violating the FACE Act, which prohibits the use of force or threats to intentionally interfere with someone expressing their First Amendment right to religion.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Augmentation pulls teachers, case managers, and maintenance workers away from their core duties, eroding programs intended to reduce recidivism and maintain humane conditions.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Prosecutors allege the defendants sold meal packs intended for vulnerable families overseas and exchanged millions in benefits for cash.
    Jennifer Nassour, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The actors’ expressions aren’t wholly legible through the glass and the falling dusk, but the air around them is thick with curdling resentment and sudden grief.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Beyond shedding light on the exploitative nature of the AI industry, Gourault highlights the workers’ attempts to claim agency, however precarious, through tactics of organization and expression.
    Farren Fei Yuan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Across the street, four Border Police soldiers carrying long rifles threw glances at everything and everybody.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Ibeh took a somewhat confused, smirking glance at Miller as the two retreated to their corners.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Following his assassination, Erika became the new CEO and chair of TPUSA, and has made public appearances at various events.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Following that series, Wilson dedicated his life to ministry, making one more small-screen appearance for a four-episode arc on UPN’s Girlfriends in 2005.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Not for escapism, per se – Roseberry’s Schiaparelli show, one of his finest and weirdest to date, vibrated with implications about our world’s rigid definition of beauty, with horns, feathers and splashes of neon – but for indulgence.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Our mother figures and friends can serve as the best sources of inspiration for beauty tips and tricks, thanks to many years of trial and error.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But his new-Dior vibe this year felt fresh and unexpectedly cool—a more casual approach to awards season dressing, though still refined.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Some athletes feel suffocated by the obligations that fame brings.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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