Synonyms for Look: List of 90+ Alternatives with Examples

The word look is one we use all the time in English, but did you know there are lots of other words that can mean the same thing? Depending on the situation, you might want to say glance, stare, peek, or even observe. Using different words not only makes your sentences more interesting, but it also helps you express exactly how someone is looking at something. In this article, we’ll learn about some common synonyms for look and how to use them in everyday conversation.

What Does ‘Look’ Mean?

The word look basically means to direct your eyes toward something or someone. It can also mean noticing, watching, or even appearing a certain way. For example, you can look at a painting, look out the window, or say someone looks happy. It’s a very common word we use every day to talk about seeing or noticing things.

List of Synonyms for Look

Common Synonyms For Look

• See – To notice with eyes
• Watch – To look carefully over time
• Observe – To study or notice closely
• Glance – To look quickly
• Gaze – To look steadily
• Stare – To look for a long time
• Peek – To look secretly or briefly
• Peer – To look closely or with difficulty
• Notice – To become aware of
• Examine – To inspect carefully
• Inspect – To check carefully
• Survey – To look over broadly
• Spot – To see something hard to find
• Check – To look to ensure correctness
• Scan – To look quickly for details
• Detect – To discover or notice
• Recognize – To identify something seen before
• Glimpse – To see briefly
• Ogle – To look with desire
• Admire – To look with pleasure

Types of Synonyms for Look

The word ‘look’ can be expressed in many ways depending on the situation. Here are some common types of synonyms and when to use them:

Quick Look

• Glance – To look briefly
• Peek – To look secretly or quickly
• Scan – To look quickly for details
• Gander – To take a quick look

Expressive Look

• Gaze – To look steadily, showing feeling
• Admire – To look with pleasure or appreciation
• Observe – To notice carefully
• Regard – To look at thoughtfully

Stare

• Examine – To inspect carefully
• Inspect – To check in detail
• Scrutinize – To study very closely
• Study – To look attentively and thoroughly

Searching Look

• Scan – To search quickly
• Probe – To investigate or explore carefully
• Survey – To look over broadly
• Explore – To investigate or examine

Common Alternatives to Look

Look vs See

Look means to direct your eyes intentionally at something, while See means to notice something without effort.
Examples:

• I looked at the painting carefully.
• I saw the mountains in the distance.

Look vs Watch

Look means to direct your eyes at something briefly or intentionally, while Watch means to look at something attentively over a period of time.
Examples:

• I looked at the clock.
• I watched the movie for two hours.

Look vs Glance

Look means to direct your eyes with attention, while Glance means to look quickly or briefly.
Examples:

• I looked at the teacher’s notes carefully.
• I glanced at my phone for a second.

Look vs Gaze

Look means to direct your eyes intentionally, while Gaze means to look steadily, often with emotion or interest.
Examples:

• I looked at the painting.
• She gazed at the sunset for minutes, lost in thought.

Synonyms for Look in Different Contexts

The word ‘look’ can be expressed in different ways depending on the situation. Here are some common synonyms for ‘look’ in various contexts along with examples:

For Careful Observation

• Examine – The scientist examined the specimen under the microscope.
• Inspect – The mechanic inspected the car engine.
• Scrutinize – She scrutinized the contract before signing.
• Study – He studied the map to find the route.
• Observe – The teacher observed the students during the experiment.

For Staring

• Gawk – Tourists gawked at the tall skyscraper.
• Gape – He gaped at the magician’s trick.
• Peer – She peered into the dark alley.
• Stare – He stared at the screen in disbelief.
• Eye – She eyed the suspicious package.

For Visual Searching

• Scan – He scanned the newspaper for the latest news.
• Search – The police searched the area for clues.
• Survey – She surveyed the crowd before speaking.
• Probe – The detective probed the room for evidence.
• Explore – They explored the forest for hidden trails.

For Expressive Looking

• Gaze – She gazed at the stars in wonder.
• Admire – He admired the painting for its colors.
• Regard – He regarded her with curiosity.
• Glance – She glanced at him and smiled.
• Ogle – He ogled the new car at the showroom.

For Appearance or Impression

• View – He viewed the design and nodded approvingly.
• Sight – The sunset was a beautiful sight.
• Appearance – His appearance surprised everyone.
• Expression – Her expression revealed her excitement.

Absolute and Related Synonyms for Look

The word ‘look’ has different synonyms depending on how it’s used. Here are some absolute and related synonyms along with their meanings:

Absolute Synonyms for Look

Related Synonyms for Look

FAQs About Synonyms for Look

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