Synonyms of outlook

outlook

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k 

1

as in overlook

a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible

the cliff-top outlook provides an expansive view of the sleepy village down in the valley

Synonyms & Similar Words

• overlook
• observatory
• lookout
• tower
• watchtower
• aerie
• crow's nest
• promontory

2

as in perspective

a way of looking at or thinking about something

tried to keep a cheerful outlook on life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• perspective
• viewpoint
• opinion
• view
• point of view
• standpoint
• shoes
• angle
• vantage point
• mind
• interpretation
• frame of reference
• slant
• eye view
• perception
• belief
• conviction
• sentiment
• impression
• feeling
• take
• judgment
• verdict
• eye
• mind-set
• spin
• notion
• persuasion

3

as in view

all that can be seen from a certain point

the outlook from the tower is spectacular in all directions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• view
• perspective
• panorama
• landscape
• scenery
• prospect
• vista
• command
• scene
• lookout
• sight
• visual field
• ken

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun outlook differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of outlook are anticipation, foretaste, and prospect. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

Where would anticipation be a reasonable alternative to outlook?

The synonyms anticipation and outlook are sometimes interchangeable, but anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

When is foretaste a more appropriate choice than outlook?

In some situations, the words foretaste and outlook are roughly equivalent. However, foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

When could prospect be used to replace outlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to outlook, prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outlook

The city’s outlook as a global business hub was gloomy a couple of years ago, after a tighter Chinese regulatory environment chilled IPO activity. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026

The way Maye performed in the postseason didn’t change the Patriots’ outlook on the 23-year-old signal-caller. —Greg Dudek, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026

Perhaps most troubling for the long-term outlook is the housing market. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026

His series of concerts celebrating Puerto Rico last year became such an international event that Moody’s slightly raised its financial outlook for the island. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026