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
Brooklyn looked more decisive offensively with another ballhandler alongside Egor Dëmin, taking a 31-26 lead after one. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026 Full steam ahead Collin Sexton’s role looks small in a box score. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
Dark gloss is Darko‘s fitting look, and this potent story sheen is perfectly conveyed by cinematographer Alexander Hammond. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 With a little prompting, Glance can help shoppers watching a smart TV identify looks being worn by actors and go find options to buy. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • His dip in the polling this month seems less attributable to any new policy position or statements than to just a general gloom among California residents about the state’s direction, Baldassare said.
    — Andrew Graham October 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In my view, the Sentinel seemed to base this on Culver’s suspension from office as the one and only factor.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Gyurov has often expressed firm support for Ukraine and signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv during his premiership.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • For weeks, head coach Andy Reid has expressed confidence in Butker.
    — Sam McDowell October 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Researchers intend to expand international fieldwork across the Austronesian-speaking regions, the Himalayas, and historical Silk Road networks.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
  • In global markets, these technologies are intended for Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs trucks and Mercedes-Benz and Setra touring coaches, with availability scheduled to begin in April 2027.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • More research showed that living cells use condensates everywhere, to organize DNA, regulate gene expression, and package proteins.
    — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The house’s 2025 holiday campaign, starring ambassador Anya Taylor-Joy, followed the actress on a journey from New York to London and Tokyo, celebrating different expressions of love.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Among the titles are some that at first glance sound particularly offbeat, even edgy or outlandish.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Legal experts who have been watching the numerous cases underway say that what might appear at first glance to be vanity projects are in truth cases that test the limits of presidential power.
    — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Despite their harmless appearance, these exercises encouraged behaviors associated with manipulation and resistance to oversight.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • His Iowa appearance was moved from Dubuque to Cedar Rapids, only for plans to shift back to Dubuque hours later, according to a person familiar with the planning who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • You would have been treated like gods and lived forever in beauty.
    — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The idea that beauty comes from within never entered the discussion.
    — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In contrast, consciousness is the ability to feel pain, pleasure, love and have subjective experiences.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Plus, their slightly structured silhouette feels more put together than traditional sweatpants, without sacrificing comfort.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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