Synonyms of look for

look for

phrase

1

as in pursue

to go in search of

She had been looking for a job for months.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pursue
• seek
• search (for or out)
• look up
• chase (down)
• shop (for)
• forage (for)
• cast about (for)
• hunt
• cast around (for)
• quest
• root (out)
• ferret (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• ignore
• hide
• neglect

2

as in woo

to act so as to make (something) more likely

They were just looking for trouble.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• woo
• invite
• court
• ask (for)
• seek
• flirt (with)
• fish (for)
• angle (for)
• search
• hunt
• tempt
• provoke

3

as in expect

to believe in the future occurrence of (something)

They were looking for their first win of the season.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expect
• await
• anticipate
• watch (for)
• hope (for)
• rely (on or upon)
• eye
• wait (for)
• depend (on or upon)
• contemplate
• count (on or upon)
• foresee
• predict
• bank on
• envision
• view
• presume
• assume
• envisage
• foretell
• prophesy
• presuppose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• question
• doubt

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of look for

The unemployment rate is a function of how many Americans are looking for work but can’t find it. — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

When shopping for okra, look for bright green pods without any blemishes or discoloration. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

Authorities deployed several checkpoints to search vehicles, looking for potential suspects or explosives. — Astrid Suárez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Bourdain arrives looking for love and ends up finding it in food and kitchen culture—a passion that would shape the rest of his life. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Aug. 2026