look up

Definition of look upnext
1
2
as in to brighten
to become glad or hopeful by the next morning, the skies had begun to clear and we were looking up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 up Hundreds of Vietnamese looked up, waiting for the next one. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 The duo were in attendance for Justin Bieber’s April 11 headlining set, with Perry posting a video on social media in real time with her reaction to Bieber looking up YouTube videos on stage and singing along to them. Zack Sharf, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026 Students might consider this a case of simply looking up information—which a majority of them rate as the most helpful and acceptable use of LLMs in surveys—but typing a question and relaying the response is not the same as thinking about it. ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026 Andrew Maksymowski touched the wall, looked up at the timing board and launched himself backward in his lane for a series of emphatic splashes. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look up
Verb
  • He was initially arrested on three felony charges, including false imprisonment, but the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office ultimately declined to pursue those charges, PEOPLE reported at the time.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • In 2017, Barnes temporarily left Steubenville to pursue a graduate degree in theology in England.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Her mother, Lianna Charles Moore, previously described her daughters as always laughing, smiling and brightening her family's day.
    Christina Fan, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Lush, vibrant and full of life, California Tropicals instantly brightens any space while adding fresh, feel-good energy.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As was the case with the white-and-green dress for her Pakistan tour, Elizabeth, in her fashion choices, sought not only to avoid giving offense but to offer symbolic ingratiation, and among the most fascinating garments on display are those representing diplomatic dressing.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The offering from New Zealand's national carrier is the latest from airlines seeking to sell seat upgrades and other add-ons to economy travelers.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Vacation bottled up the cult-favorite scent of their body SPF into a best-selling airy eau de toilette—and best-selling isn’t an understatement, with 38K glowing Amazon reviews.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Sharon Stone glows in a white pantsuit and sunglasses for the premiere of Magnolia's Normal in Los Angeles on April 15.
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look%20up. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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