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
As the final track of the movie, it’s paired with live-action footage of the cast and musical artists during recording sessions, offering a celebratory behind-the-scenes look at the film’s creation. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 14 July 2025 And who better to look to for inspiration than Martha Stewart? —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Noun
Below are first look images of Mitchell and Lil Mama in the film. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 July 2025 They’re made with a soft cotton material that’ll keep you cozy during long flights, while providing an elevated look. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 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
  • While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • There seems to have been some confusion about the severity of the misdemeanor to which Brown ultimately pleaded no contest.
    — Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of seem
Verb
  • John McEnroe, never shy with an opinion, has expressed skepticism about pickleball — yet even his tennis academy on Randall’s Island in New York City has converted five existing tennis courts to 12 indoor pickleball courts.
    — Stefan Boyland, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
  • Though the director has publicly expressed his desire to retire the character — even revealing plans to kill her off in a 2018 interview on Bevy Smith’s SiriusXM show Bevelations — fan support has kept her alive.
    — Emily Blackwood, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of express
Verb
  • According to Renaissance Capital, cornerstone investors intend to purchase 20% of the shares in the offering.
    — Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • In other words, a buyer who never intends to close escrow, but intends to assign the purchase contract in escrow to another buyer for a higher price.
    — Christopher A. Combs, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • There was an expression on his face, something between a smile and a smirk.
    — Mona Awad, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • Through gene expression studies, the team determined these proteins were actively produced and regulated – social control molecules secreted through their natural antennae, the spines.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2025
Definition of expression
Noun
  • At first glance, some features of Florida’s charter schools appear more private than public.
    — Thibaut Delloue, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025
  • The Cost-Saving Promise Of The Cloud At first glance, the cloud seems like a no-brainer for cost efficiency.
    — Melkon Hovhannisyan, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Definition of glance
Noun
  • Between her performance, an aerialist’s acrobatics, and courtside appearances from stars like Leslie Jones, Dawn Staley, Bam Adebayo, and Robin Roberts, All-Star Weekend doubled as a celebration of sports and entertainment.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 21 July 2025
  • In an appearance on the Paramount+ series The Checkup with Dr. David Agus, Ashton revealed a terrifying and emotional moment when the brothers were kids.
    — Grace Gavilanes, People.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of appearance
Noun
  • Through exhibits, publications and educational programs, the museum educates its millions of visitors about the beauty and cultural significance of country music.
    — Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • From the start of her career in 1975, Iman has been praised for her ability to exemplify the complementary yet intricate relationship between fashion and beauty, both on and off the runway.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 July 2025
Definition of beauty
Verb
  • His loss is deeply felt across the entire ROTC and Rutgers community.
    — Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 27 July 2025
  • So why does life feel costly for many Michiganders?
    — Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 27 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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