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

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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
What felt enormous earlier may look much more manageable by tonight. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026 Saturday, in particular, looks blustery, with highs only in the upper 50s and a gusty northwest wind. — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
Simon took the campy photographs in the same Hilton hotel where Moore’s children awaited their mother, and the images make up what the wall text calls a MooreWrap cruise-collection look book. — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 The look is solid, smart, elegant, hitting a summer sweet spot that means guests come back again and again. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026 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
  • The path to closing the merger was often a rocky one and at times seemed likely to derail.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Nothing seems to be too much trouble for the staff who clearly have an affection for the property and its owners, with many having worked there for decades.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of seem
Verb
  • Quiet luxury has given way to accessories that make an emotional statement and let clients express their individuality.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The source expressed optimism that the military money would come through but cautioned that it neither had been secured nor guaranteed.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of express
Verb
  • Their different lengths are intended to offer broadcasters alternative scheduling options.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The emergency reserve has already fallen to its lowest level since the 1980s following releases intended to cushion oil price shocks from the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of intend
Noun
  • The institute is designed to bring public officials, scholars and other leaders to campus while expanding the college’s work around civic engagement, public policy, free expression and leadership.
    — Nora O’Neill October 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Companies, too, found ways to sell all natural products, flexibility and individual expression.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of expression
Noun
  • More recently, global financial platform Revolut trialed facial recognition checkout in select coffee shops, allowing customers to pay with just a glance.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Even if their name kind of looks like a Wi-Fi password upon first glance.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of glance
Noun
  • The Dream, meanwhile, are making their fourth Finals appearance and first since 2013.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Stars Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk and Lee Se-young were also expected to make public appearances in the city.
    — Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of appearance
Noun
  • The Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Gift Guide offers party outfits for women, holiday dressing for men, as well as beauty products, and gifts priced under $200, among other products.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In the film, Thị Mầu is a gifted young beauty hemmed in by rigid custom and the demands of her family.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of beauty
Verb
  • The kitchen is tucked away in the back, but the skylight keeps it from feeling too cavelike.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The coupling of violence with law and order is ever present in the agent’s recollections, but tonally, the show feels light.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
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 14 Oct. 2026.

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