LOOK Synonyms: 234 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

look 1 of 2

verb

ˈlu̇k

Definition of look next

as in to seem

to give the impression of being it looks like it might rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Those looking for a complete, back-up-the-truck-style trade deadline, like the one Cubs President Jed Hoyer executed in the summer of 2021, were left disappointed when the new semirebuild plan wasn’t really explained. —

Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025 As part of the study, researchers looked closer at the diversity of these communities in the four evacuation zones by using U.S. census and elementary school data to develop a profile of the people living there. —

Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025

Noun

The new trailer offers a more in-depth look at some of the action, humor, and heart that the original had in spades. —

Brian Welk, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2025 Ciara’s monochromatic look consisted of a black bomber with shoulder pads, a bustier top and a leather slit miniskirt. —

Hannah Malach, WWD, 9 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for look

Recent Examples of Synonyms for look

Verb

Jim Acosta's days at CNN are done, but his feud with President Donald Trump seems far from over.

— Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
In addition to cutting Smith, Indianapolis seems unlikely to re-sign center Ryan Kelly, who is also an unrestricted free agent.

— James Boyd, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025