look 1 of 2

verb

ˈlu̇k How to pronounce look (audio)
Definition of looknext
1
as in to seem
to give the impression of being it looks like it might rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to express
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) the music teacher looked her displeasure with a fierce frown

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal they were looking to make a fast buck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
as in appearance
the outward form of someone or something especially as indicative of a quality the bride's father has the look of a prosperous businessman

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in beauty
looks plural the qualities in a person or thing that as a whole give pleasure to the senses a supermodel's career tends to be entirely based on her exceptional good looks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
The branding looked good and looked clean. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026 On top of that, UConn has looked mortal as of late. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on March 14. —Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026 The front door is Dutch-style, and the top is easily opened for a vintage look that allows even more light and air into the interior. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
  1. seem
  2. express
  3. intend
  4. expression
  5. glance
  6. appearance
  7. beauty
  8. feel
Verb
  • In 2015, a nuclear physics experiment gave results that seemed to conflict with the very specific predictions for what should happen when an unstable beryllium-8 nucleus is created in an excited state.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The timing now, however, seems fitting.
    — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of seem
Verb
  • Environmental advocates expressed alarm about orders to restart offshore drilling at the site of a devastating 2015 oil spill in Santa Barbara.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Often described during his time in Congress as one of the upper chamber’s most independent minds, Manchin expressed sweeping concern that Cornyn recently flip-flopped on the long-standing Senate maneuver, which is designed to force a spirit of open debate and compromise.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of express
Verb
  • Some conservatives have raised concerns about left-wing foundations funding organizations intended to influence GOP policymaking.
    — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
  • That flotilla, made up of leftist organizations, intends to deliver more than 20 tons of food, medicine and solar power equipment to the island.
    — Sarah Moreno March 16, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of intend
Noun
  • As Hathaway spoke about the importance of costume design, Wintour looked about the audience with a sort of bored expression before putting on her signature sunglasses.
    — Sam Reed, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The poignant Moon spins into your 5th House of Drama, inspiring hands-on expression that reconnects you with your inner child.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • While most stars opted for opulent couture gowns with glitter, feathers, and the like, the actor appeared in a look that seemed almost simple at first glance… Look again.
    — Madeline Dangmann, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
  • With a cinema glance that balances between the documentary genre and the dramatized narration, the film crafts a microcosm of understanding, offering the viewer a touching experience.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of glance
Noun
  • Murray clinched Denver’s first NBA Finals appearance with a defensive stop on LeBron James in the Lakers’ house.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
  • After Tyler Hastings’ state semifinal game-winner to down Duncanville, the team capitalized on Fort Worth’s first title appearance since 2018.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of appearance
Noun
  • While the beauty of these blooms may be worth a mini road trip, Jensen encourages locals to engage with the springtime blossoming just under their noses.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Even if robins and cardinals are a favorite, nothing compares to the tiny beauty of hummingbirds.
    — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of beauty
Verb
  • This flowery felt iteration from fall 1999 proves that a good silhouette is a blank canvas for any creative director’s vision (just take a look at the latest renditions by Maria Grazia Chiuri, hot off the 2026 runway).
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Because Buckley has short hair, a chignon or updo was not an option—but combed neatly back with a side part, clearing the face, feels like a very Grace Kelly detail.
    — Ana Serrano, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of feel

Phrases Containing look

Browse Nearby Words

looby
look
look after
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on look

Nglish: Translation of look for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of eureka

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Why do we say 'get out of Dodge'?

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
back-of-head-mortarboard
Quiz: Name That Hat! Time to put on your thinking cap.
See All