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
The strategy looks particularly attractive to Cramer as higher interest rates make growth harder to find elsewhere. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 They’re being snapped up all too quick for comfort, so waste no time in rounding out your cart with these poweful, clinical-grade, at-home solutions for looking — and feeling — your very best. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
Pearlescent particles provide an instant soft-focus glow, giving skin a brighter, more luminous look. — Sheryl George, Allure, 5 Oct. 2026 Green feathers created a grass-like effect on another botanical look. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • The path to closing the merger was often a rocky one and at times seemed likely to derail.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Nothing seems to be too much trouble for the staff who clearly have an affection for the property and its owners, with many having worked there for decades.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • With artificial intelligence permeating nearly every aspect of life, therapists are seeing more people expressing anxiety about the technology.
    — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In this Year 1 of a rebuild, Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley continues to express a combination of disappointment and encouragement in his postgame press conferences.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Their different lengths are intended to offer broadcasters alternative scheduling options.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The emergency reserve has already fallen to its lowest level since the 1980s following releases intended to cushion oil price shocks from the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The institute is designed to bring public officials, scholars and other leaders to campus while expanding the college’s work around civic engagement, public policy, free expression and leadership.
    — Nora O’Neill October 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Companies, too, found ways to sell all natural products, flexibility and individual expression.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • More recently, global financial platform Revolut trialed facial recognition checkout in select coffee shops, allowing customers to pay with just a glance.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Even if their name kind of looks like a Wi-Fi password upon first glance.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Dream, meanwhile, are making their fourth Finals appearance and first since 2013.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Stars Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk and Lee Se-young were also expected to make public appearances in the city.
    — Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The spa The spa gazebos sit in a row along the river’s edge, complete with space for beauty services or massages.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • To wit, Heinemann in September introduced beauty retailer Mecca in Sydney Airport.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The kitchen is tucked away in the back, but the skylight keeps it from feeling too cavelike.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The coupling of violence with law and order is ever present in the agent’s recollections, but tonally, the show feels light.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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