look 1 of 2

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

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
Allmodern’s Racheal rug is a favorite of commerce editor Audrey Lee, who was looking for a low-pile wool rug that wouldn’t need constant vacuuming. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025 Superfine mica, which offers more sheen than shimmer, reflects light to give skin a natural-looking radiance without the chunky, sparkly appearance of glitter. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Sep. 2025 Surely, the look suggests, my choice betrays a Freudian complex best left uninterrogated. Sam Sussman september 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for look
Recent Examples of Synonyms for look
Verb
  • Almost two full years later, on the verge of making the postseason, the Padres returned to the ballpark that is home to one of baseball’s worst teams and continued to play like a team that seems bent on disappointing in its own spectacular way.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • This play seemed to be the dagger; the Liberty would again rally behind Stewart, but poor shot selection and fourth quarter turnovers cost them the game.
    Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But since that meeting, during which allies expressed optimism of a path forward on security guarantees, no progress has materialized.
    Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The vote to approve Miran’s nomination passed 48-47, along party lines, with Democrats expressing concern about the appointment impacting the central bank’s independence.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The company on Wednesday also debuted the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses, intended for athletes who participate in high-intensity sports like snowboarding and mountain biking.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The flypast was intended to showcase the strength of UK-US defense ties with a coordinated aerial display.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Scientists speculate that this could be an expression of mourning or an instinctual effort to understand the loss.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Scorn is a salve for her—an enjoyable expression of her fastidious nature and a coping strategy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At first glance, Beijing’s willingness to play ball on TikTok looks like a sharp reversal from its years of resistance to relinquishing control over the viral video app – the first global social media hit to come out of China.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025
  • At first glance, the bracelet’s gadroons appear to be a decorative feature of the gold surface.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are 64 players who have had at least 30 plate appearances against Kershaw in the regular season.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Sasaki will make another appearance out of the bullpen on Sunday.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Her authenticity and beauty content attracted millions of followers and high-profile brand partnerships.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In a beauty world full of seemingly endless options, RoC’s Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Night Serum is tested, loved by many, and won’t cost you a pretty penny.
    Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But the anger that left-leaning media critics felt is clearly gaining more traction with a broader swath of the Democratic Party — people who are opening their wallets and dedicating their time to consuming new and independent media.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Sunderland, who played in total 65 minutes with 10 men after Reinildo Mandava’s first-half dismissal, celebrated a point that felt much larger.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Look.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on look

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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