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

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
Just in time for the season, Amazon has marked down hundreds of lightweight, cooling sets that promote a better night’s sleep while also looking great on your bed—and the prices start at under $20. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2026 For her BAFTAs look, then, there was only ever once choice, but Buckley and her stylist Danielle Goldberg found a way into the Chanel-iverse that felt right for a true individual at the top of her game. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
Ahead of its retail arrival, resale marketplace GOAT has shared the detailed look at the sneaker yet. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 21 Feb. 2026 Doncic missed a layup to begin the game – as the Clippers scored the game’s first five points thanks to a hook shot and an and-one from center Brook Lopez – but over the next 18 looks from the field, the Lakers made 16 shots, half of which came from 3-point range. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • Two and a half months ago, when Diggs faced strangulation and assault charges that seemed to threaten his immediate football future, the Patriots stood with their star receiver by releasing an atypically strong statement.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Domínguez was also a shaky defender last season in left field, the only position where the Yankees seem willing to trust him.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Some world leaders expressed relief or satisfaction with Friday’s decision.
    Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The White House has expressed openness to some Democratic demands, but the two sides have not reached an agreement.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now, association with its past is intended to be a respectful reflection of its history.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
  • On that occasion, it was worn as a choker, and the outlet reported that it’s not known whether the piece was originally intended to be a choker or a bracelet, but it has been worn mostly as a bracelet in recent years.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Krejci’s expression as referee Tom Kirk brandished the red card looked like one of genuine bewilderment.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • This new expression starts out as regular Woodford bourbon, which is aged for about six to seven years in new charred oak barrels (as required by law for bourbon).
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • At first glance, the hotel’s facade looks like any other sleek office block on this leafy boulevard in Songshan—polished glass, lots of steel, and unlikely to win any prizes for its exterior looks.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • At first glance, the Lands’ End Small Canvas Tote Bag doesn’t steal the show with flashy accents and bold style.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Scoring and assisting on Tuesday versus Real España, Martínez backed up his effort in Honduras during much of LAFC’s inaugural appearance at the Coliseum, a short walk from the Black & Gold home grounds of BMO Stadium.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
  • This marks Middleton's first appearance since the arrest of her uncle-in-law Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on February 19 for suspicion of misconduct in public office.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The mountain is incredibly hypnotic when catching the pearly hues of the first and last light of day and distils the unearthly beauty of the Himalayas into one gorgeous frame.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Her designs are guided by the Navajo concept of hózhó — a philosophy of harmony, balance, beauty, and peace.
    Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Enter the backless loafer—the laidback, low effort update to a preppy classic that dominated the spring/summer runways and feels timely for warmer weather.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Now feels like the right time to finally let him off the leash.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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