Synonyms of looking for

looking for

phrase

present participle of look for

1

as in pursuing

to go in search of

She had been looking for a job for months.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pursuing
• seeking
• shopping (for)
• searching (for or out)
• chasing (down)
• foraging (for)
• casting about (for)
• looking up
• casting around (for)
• hunting
• ferreting (out)
• rooting (out)
• questing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• losing
• hiding
• ignoring
• neglecting

2

as in wooing

to act so as to make (something) more likely

They were just looking for trouble.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wooing
• asking (for)
• inviting
• flirting (with)
• fishing (for)
• seeking
• courting
• angling (for)
• searching
• hunting
• tempting
• provoking

3

as in expecting

to believe in the future occurrence of (something)

They were looking for their first win of the season.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expecting
• awaiting
• anticipating
• watching (for)
• hoping (for)
• waiting (for)
• depending (on or upon)
• counting (on or upon)
• relying (on or upon)
• contemplating
• banking on
• eyeing
• predicting
• envisioning
• foreseeing
• envisaging
• assuming
• viewing
• prophesying
• foretelling
• presupposing
• presuming

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• questioning
• doubting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of looking for

To some close observers, the offer signaled that Regan may have been looking for a way out of an expensive ballot fight. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

With a brunch reservation on the itinerary, my mom has been looking for a dressier flat that still offers some height. — Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Investment banks are watching the widening of the copper to aluminum ratio as a guide to future possible price moves as well as looking for a reversal in the current trend. — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

For those looking for an elegant option that can actually work for the office, your safest bet is to combine long white Bermuda shorts with an oversized button-down shirt. — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 7 July 2026

Planning your next trip, and looking for a set that can double as PJs? — Morgan Sullivan, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

This image depicts the person police are looking for in a fatal hit-and-run in the Bronx on June 29, 2026. — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 30 June 2026