look 1 of 2

Definition of looknext

look

2 of 2

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

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
Verb
  • For major criminals, the city seemed to offer not only impunity but also sunshine, an easy life style, and safety.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Step-backs, deep 3s, power drives, trips to the line – every element of their games was on display, and every possession seemed to raise the stakes.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Matthew Harris, of Oakland, allegedly confessed in full to the Wells Fargo bank robbery, expressing remorse and blaming his addiction to fentanyl, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Carter Braxton Worth, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This plant is intended to store large quantities of hydrogen underground.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The four species intended to benefit are rayed bean (Villosa fabalis), sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus), snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra), and spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta).
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
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
  • To cater to this rising demographic, legacy brands need to up their game, as fashion and beauty players capitalize on the marathon opportunity.
    Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Welcome to Latest & Greatest, a franchise that celebrates all the shiniest new beauty launches of the month and informs you what’s worth your time and cash.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This conversation feels integral to the treatment but interrupt the experience.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But in the end, the selection of Daniels felt more like fate than a gut reaction.
    Nate Atkins, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on look

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster