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
Bear said his sibling’s body was found in a nearby river and that the cause of death looked like suicide. Jack Dunn, Variety, 31 May 2026 Police are still looking for a driver who fled the scene of a deadly crash in South Philadelphia Saturday night. Marcella Baietto, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Noun
So, what could the match card for AEW’s biggest event of 2026 look like? Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 According to stylist Amaia Anderson, the key to styling today’s halter top is keeping the rest of the look refined and understated. Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • On Wednesday, after a 4-0 Hurricanes win that was somehow more lopsided than the score indicated, that lone postseason loss seemed a whole lot farther than five days in the rear-view.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Until last year, my life seemed like that of any other girl.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • After 10 days trapped in a cave with four others, the first man brought to safety expressed heartfelt gratitude to his rescuers and his family.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Other countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt also issued statements condemning the attacks and expressing support for Kuwait.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Despite the acquisition, Lim intends to stay on as the brand’s creative director.
    Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
  • Importantly, even though the Matrix is claimed to be extremely durable, those carabiners are not intended for use in climbing.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • This includes my place not only as a writer—who like my grandfather had, is writing books, teaching college, and engaged in psychoanalytic thought—but also as a someone who has similarly dedicated her life to the pursuit of learning, understanding, and expression through language.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Master Medal Laelia Añejo is a boutique expression produced at Casa Natima in Amatitán.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Neves also produced a diving header from a wide free kick in PSG’s 4-2 league-phase win against Manchester City last season, and made an excellent near-post run at an inswinging corner to rise highest and glance in a header during that 5-4 defeat of Bayern in this year’s semi-finals.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • Kansas City museum helped launch Indianapolis Clowns This series between the Bananas and the Clowns in KC has more significance that might not be apparent at first glance.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • This was Eastlake’s sixth appearance in the Open Division title game in 12 years, winning it all in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
  • That has marquee potential with Coloradan star Sophia Wilson making her first club appearance in Denver.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Well Retinol Body Lotion and more can't-miss retinol beauty products deals below.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 29 May 2026
  • That shift says something revealing about how modern consumers now want to shop for beauty.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • My chest feels tight as my heart pumps against the elevation, though some of this sensation may simply be awe.
    Alexandra Oliva June 1, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Its religious undertones feel so at odds with a season steeped in nihilism.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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