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look

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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
The Chinese plan for space domination looks a lot like the way China came to control markets in 5G or rare earths. Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025 After a blowout loss to K-State on Saturday, the Kansas Jayhawks (4-4, 2-3 Big 12) will look to bounce back against Oklahoma State. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
The round, frosted playing chips give the game a stylish look. Jaclyn Kaufman May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025 The star visited the Penske Media headquarters in Midtown wearing a look by Sergio Hudson with suede heels from her go-to luxury shoe designer, Christian Louboutin. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • That’s what Rebecca feels—all alone in a world that seems to care less.
    Joni Eareckson Tada, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • As Republicans reject Democratic demands for health care funds, there’s no sign of a break in the impasse, but Trump seems to be continuing on with business as usual, including his foreign trip.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The tourism minister also expressed confidence that the sector could contribute 10% of GDP by 2030, aiming to raise it to 20% eventually.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2025
  • In the comment section, many people expressed different opinions regarding the seating plan.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And the project is taking advantage of a loophole in Greenlandic law intended to ban oil drilling.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Smokeless tobacco is considered anything from snuff, snus, chewing tobacco, moist snuff and any other tobacco intended to be used or consumed by any means.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The resulting amalgam of curious thoughts, heartfelt angst, expressions of longing or dread, make for a raw, touching saga shared by dozens of people, all seemingly looking for meaning.
    Will Tizard, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The accompanying image showed Remy sporting an uneven shave and an unmistakably unimpressed expression, which only added to the humor.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • At first glance, Sunderland’s 2-1 win at Chelsea looks like a smash-and-grab upset.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Better, but invites distracted glances with every notification.
    Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Smith cited a strong support network for transgender students on campus during her appearance.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • There were five in eight appearances.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Brought over from the lowlands of Eastern Asia, oriental bittersweet was primarily admired for its beauty.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The beauty mogul and mom of two shared the sad news on Instagram with an emotional tribute to the dog, complete with a carousel of photos of Norman through the years.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Many people felt San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama would take another step forward in his development this season.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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