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

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
At game’s end, Quenneville cautioned against looking too far ahead. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026 Investors with a long-term investment horizon should look beyond near-term challenges and capitalize on the ongoing volatility to pick stocks trading at attractive valuations. Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
Here’s a look at what OpenTable highlights for the summer. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026 Keaton Wagler, shooting with a look of easy focus. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • As of this week, Sumrall no longer seems to feel that way.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Rocchio was on second base and seemed to steal the Royals’ signs.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Members of the Haitian community were among those who spoke, expressing gratitude and mourning her absence.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The president also expressed frustration about some of the coverage of the sensitive military operation, NBC reported.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Axios first reported on Sunday a bid for a potential 45-day ceasefire, intended to be the first part of a two-phase deal aimed at launching broader, direct negotiations to permanently end the war.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The city chose a more muscular solution, raising the park and lifting the river’s edge to form a wall intended to hold back sixteen feet of surge.
    Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Fans started to file out of the park in the sixth inning, when Houston led 10-0, with a collective expression of dejected gold.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Joan and Lynn were staring at Louise with entirely blank expressions.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Broncos, then, are in an enviable position but also one that carries perhaps more risk than first glance might suggest.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Altogether, their collective glance would acknowledge that a fantasy had become a reality for a local kid turned big league coach.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Through the first eight games, the Angels have struck out in 31% of their plate appearances, which is even worse than last year’s 27% rate.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Koss, interestingly enough, made his first pitching appearance this season before getting his first at-bat.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For one day only, a classic roadside pitstop will be transformed into a desert beauty destination, inviting guests to cruise through the brand's universe of color, glow and artistry through a series of interactive touch points.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Feelings and thoughts about fleeting beauty, minimalism, suffering, the natural world, and way more come through in these thoughtfully designed and assembled cars that some people build their entire personalities around.
    Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The deeper layers of your soul may feel much nearer to the surface than usual.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Flattening the curve—making bad floods somewhat less bad—feels achievable.
    Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

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