look 1 of 2

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
City staff are currently looking into registration improvements based on stakeholder feedback, the city told the Observer. Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025 While nostalgia factors into the reason for doing the podcast, Ortiz and Indelicato look forward to spotlighting the groundbreaking series’ cultural impact. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
The five-hour hearing was the sort of session that Congress routinely conducts, a thorough look at how a government agency is doing its job. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Kidman and her daughters were recently seen at the SS26 Chanel Runway Presentation for Paris Fashion Week, with the actress donning a new look that people have referred to as a revenge look. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • The African American History building was closed for unclear reasons (that seemed to me ominous), but the John Brown Museum right across the street had compelling displays about Brown’s attack and its aftermath.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
  • First ladies and other women close to male power seemed likeliest to break through.
    Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Dimitrijevic expressed concerns about the timing of the substitute ordinance, which would require council members to vote on it prior to voting on the budget for 2026.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These are not intended for prolonged play and may break.
    Chris McMullen, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s a candle that’s an especially great gift, especially if it’s intended for someone who feels affectionately for Maison Balzac’s cartoonish glassware.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Bryant is the type of player whose expression can often tell the story of the day, both in times of joy and agony.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Dollcore aesthetics can be tailored to suit a range of moods, from gothic doll vibes to pastel, sugar-sweet interpretations, making this trend versatile for creative expression.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Larger Leaves, Larger Fenestrations At first glance, Monstera 'Esqueleto' doesn’t appear much different from Monstera adansonii, or even the ultra-rare and highly sought after Monstera obliqua.
    Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The uniform jacket was custom-made but lacked functional chest pockets to prevent unwanted glances when using a notebook and pen.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their last appearance was on October 3, playing at San Diego State, ultimately ending in a 45-24 defeat.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the appearance of the nuclear-capable Hwasong-20 was the first for North Korea’s newest ICBM.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This series covers food and beverages, personal care, beauty, household care, home goods, baby and kids, pets and so much more.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Transform your bathroom into a mini spa with the best Prime Day beauty devices, designed to target everything from stubborn hair, dull skin, barrier health, and more.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Wentland attended both of Alverno’s information sessions about the sale but left feeling her concerns weren’t addressed.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • There’s not many teams that can put four guys that don’t start into the game [on the offensive line] and feel confident about going and winning a game, especially on the road.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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