look 1 of 7

Definition of looknext

look

2 of 7

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

look (at)

3 of 7

verb (2)

look (into)

4 of 7

verb (3)

look (on or upon)

5 of 7

verb (4)

as in to consider
to think of in a particular way you could call the comment mean-spirited, but I do not look on it that way at all

Synonyms & Similar Words

look (toward)

6 of 7

verb (5)

as in to face
to stand or sit with the face or front toward the bay window looks toward the park

Synonyms & Similar Words

look at

7 of 7

phrase

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
Through protocols that exist today, posted on our website, available to any hospital administrator who cares to look. Joe Kiani, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026 Yet even Tesla’s commanding position is starting to look a bit less absolute. Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
From the buzz of the post position draw to the first look at the morning-line odds, Derby week always feels like the sport cracking open a fresh bottle of adrenaline. Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Take an honest look at finances. Glamour, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Noun
  • In a league too often sanitized by coachspeak, facial expressions might be our last great truth serum.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But the publishing industry is not the only place where space for free expression is dwindling in Russia.
    Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At first glance, this appears to be a standard coffee table with a sleek, mid-century modern design.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Henson, who does a lot with a character that doesn’t monopolize the spotlight, touches little Zonia’s hair or steals a subtle glance at her now and then.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • During their time together, Snead and McVay built teams that have played in two Super Bowls, winning one, and made eight playoff appearances.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • His most notable appearance was back in 2011.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hail the beauty queen Some of the best beauty products for moms are made by moms.
    Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Rooted in education and driven by innovation, CHI stands as a symbol of clean, bold beauty built on a legacy of excellence.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Crow-Armstrong had a similar look on his face when that history came up again Friday.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The second group, Grand Penn Partners, is the corporate face of a plan to rebuild Penn Station as a Neo-classical complex.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents' Association, said in a statement that the renowned performing artist will offer a thrilling glimpse into the minds of newsmakers.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Children ages 2–10 can explore a swine barn, garden, grain bin, and apple orchard while getting a hands-on glimpse into life on a working farm.
    Annika Trost, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • With a lifelong love of the weight room and a good core of swipes, chops and bull rushes, Young offers a physical presence on both the interior and edge.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, is widely viewed as a leading figure in the looksmaxxing community, an online movement of young men pursuing methods to maximize their physical attractiveness.
    Ryan Brennan April 15, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Research conducted by travel insurer InsureandGo found that the scenic railway had the highest attractiveness score across two key measures.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

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

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