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
• judgement
• 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

Experts have told Newsweek that the difficulties for both jobseekers—white and especially Black—should be viewed against the backdrop of a wider deterioration on the overall economic outlook, now on the precipice of a major downturn according to certain economists. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

Still, not all analysts were fully convinced about the outlook. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

Oracle’s shares, which had already gained 45% this year through Tuesday’s close, soared 41% Wednesday after the company posted a major increase in bookings and gave an aggressive outlook for its cloud infrastructure business. —Bloomberg, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025

With few credible projects elsewhere, and with legal and political battles still hampering California, the outlook isn’t good. —Ben Jones, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025