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
In each case, the new teams will look to leverage infrastructure from existing NBA clubs to quickly build lines of revenue. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025 This month, look to your inner child for clues: What used to bring you joy before life told you to grow up? Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Noun
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 1 July 2025 Its radiant finish makes glowing skin a cinch, and the sheer summery flush livens up your whole look. Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • Clarkson is a good start, but another piece or two seems likely to be added.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • In a document prepared before the meeting, city staff proposed that the naming request be honored for at least a decade, but Johnson told the council this seemed like a rather short period.
    Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Senate Republicans also added a $25 billion fund to help rural hospitals after some GOP senators expressed concern about how they could be affected by the change to provider taxes.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • The Ace of Wands invites you to embrace this fresh, creative energy and start to express your true self more.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • No, Squid Game was not intended to be three seasons.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Striped Button-downs Nautical stripes have been making major waves this summer (no pun intended), especially in the form of a breezy button-down top.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • The Leo moon enhances an outspoken and sunny disposition until someone challenges your expression.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Going further, some of Barrett's critics claim the breaks with Trump have become personal, pointing to the justice's facial expression during an encounter with the president in the House chamber following his joint address to Congress in March.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • At first glance, the 4.92 runs per game the Red Sox have scored places them along the MLB elite, ranking sixth overall.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • But how were celebrities convinced by a venture that, at first glance, perhaps looked more like a tech experiment than a sports franchise?
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Ten of his 26 Premier League appearances last season were at right-back or left-back.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Doncic was a franchise cornerstone fresh off his first finals appearance and his fifth straight All-NBA selection when he was traded.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Along the way, stop to stroll through quaint villages, tour fascinating historic sites and soak up the natural beauty of the region.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Rihanna’s lilac mani couldn’t be simpler, and that’s the beauty of it.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Westerdam is comfortably sized, with 958 cabins, giving guests plenty to do without feeling overwhelmed.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • My bedroom is upstairs and feels like a sauna even when the thermostat is set for arctic temperatures.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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