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

Examples 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 series progresses, Wash and Medwin’s relationship causes Medwin to look within himself and let down his defenses. —

Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025 Deborah Kerr stars as Miss Giddens, a woman working her first job as a governess for a rich bachelor (Michael Redgrave), moving to his country estate to look after two orphans who are in his custody. —

Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025

Noun

In 2014, the blogging platform Tumblr created an era-defining look and was populated by photosets of skinned knees and ripped tights, cigarettes, Doctor Who gif sets, and plenty of moody song lyrics typewritten over stormy backgrounds. —

Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025 Another added that in his look, Jonas appeared remarkably like Broadway legend Patti Lupone. —

Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for look

Recent Examples of Synonyms for look

Verb

The percentage of claims that are low risk seems to be growing by the day.

Tom Cullinan, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
The Weeknd’s second maze at Halloween Horror Nights seems to confirm that this would be the final album under that persona.

Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025