outlook

noun

out·​look ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k 

1

a

: a place offering a view

b

: a view from a particular place

2

: point of view

a positive outlook on life

3

: the act of looking out

4

: the prospect for the future

the outlook for steel demand in the U.S.

—Wall Street Jour.

Synonyms

• overlook
• observatory
• lookout
• tower

Choose the Right Synonym for outlook

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of outlook in a Sentence

The students all seemed to have the same outlook.

Despite our differences in outlook, we got along together very well.

scenic outlooks along the highway

Recent Examples on the Web

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images Keeping that in mind, a popular ESPN personality has spoken out with an alarming outlook for Daniels. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025

The 40th Farm Aid benefit concert is being held on Saturday as the economic outlook for rural America is the gloomiest it’s been in decades. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025

But relief may not come this winter, as extended outlooks favor a warmer, drier winter in the Southwest. —Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 20 Sep. 2025

Words of caution However, AJ Bell's Coatsworth also suggested that investors shouldn't expect Blackstone's capital commitments to rapidly transform the outlook for Britain. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outlook

• betook
• casebook
• chapbook
• checkbook
• chinook
• codebook
• cookbook
• fishhook
• forsook
• guidebook
• handbook
• hornbook

Kids Definition

outlook

noun

out·​look ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k 

1

a

: a place offering a view

b

: a view from a particular place

2

: point of view

3

: conditions that seem to lie ahead

the outlook for business