look 1 of 2

verb

ˈlu̇k How to pronounce look (audio)
Definition of looknext
1
as in to seem
to give the impression of being it looks like it might rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to express
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) the music teacher looked her displeasure with a fierce frown

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal they were looking to make a fast buck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
as in appearance
the outward form of someone or something especially as indicative of a quality the bride's father has the look of a prosperous businessman

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in beauty
looks plural the qualities in a person or thing that as a whole give pleasure to the senses a supermodel's career tends to be entirely based on her exceptional good looks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
The Bombers will look for better results against Tanner Bibee on Tuesday. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025 In particular, the Grey’s Anatomy writers were looking to understand how climate change impacts hospitals and public health. —Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
Here's a closer look at the ways various industries contributed to Trump's inauguration and how those businesses are faring three months into his administration. —Gabrielle Fonrouge,annika Kim Constantino,leslie Josephs,ari Levy,amelia Lucas,melissa Repko,hugh Son,michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 Take a look at what’s next By Elizabeth Fazzare AD PRO’s Essential Guide to High Point Market Spring 2025 Traveling to the furniture industry’s largest North American trade show? —David Nash, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
  1. seem
  2. express
  3. intend
  4. expression
  5. glance
  6. appearance
  7. beauty
  8. feel
Verb
  • Given the way the entire month of April has gone for this team, the following seems entirely possible: The Stars have now lost eight straight games.
    — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • These fast-moving, Mid-Atlantic hurricanes seem to occur every 40 years or so, with 2003, 1933, 1896, 1893, and 1878 all being examples.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of seem
Verb
  • Yi Ming’s personal resilience and love of light is expressed in the work.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Researchers have also expressed concerns about potential corrosion of storage containers, specifically the copper canisters.
    — Marta Abbà, Wired News, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of express
Verb
  • The information provided here is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
    — Scott Paddock, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • How is this playing out in 2025? California leaders say that their sanctuary policies are intended to ensure undocumented immigrants can live in their communities without fear of deportation.
    — Soumya Karlamangla, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • Music, literature and the visual arts are not optional luxuries but essential expressions of our humanity.
    — William P. Yeakel, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Self Offense helps people identify subtle cues (e.g., saying ‘maybe’ or avoiding eye contact) and empowers them to treat those cues as legitimate expressions of self.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of expression
Noun
  • Plotting all those passes onto the pitch may look a little messy at first glance but the maps below help underline how Pedri’s positional flexibility, adapting his game to the defensive approach of each opposing team, allows Barcelona to keep moving forward.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • At first glance, the white track top looks like a standard issue track top.
    — Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • The platforms allow the hem of the pants to fall gracefully without dragging on the floor, which is essential to maintaining an impeccable appearance.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Gellar sports a statement jacket during her appearance at the Today show on April 23 in New York City.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of appearance
Noun
  • Lisa Wore Literal Claws for Nails During Her Coachella Performance Hailey Bieber's New Nail Color Is Totally Unexpected Now, watch Rachel Zegler get ready: Follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to Eucerin's Radiant Tone Collection, Hale's top beauty tips are nothing if not practical.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of beauty
Verb
  • In what felt like just a few seconds, the motion subsided, and my seat retreated back to the deck.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Extensive testing showed no genetic or environmental cause for her son’s condition, yet Hess felt somehow culpable.
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of feel

Phrases Containing look

Browse Nearby Words

looby
look
look after
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Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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