Thesaurus results for OUTLOOK

Q: How does the noun 'outlook' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of outlook are anticipation , foretaste , and prospect . While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," outlook suggests a forecasting of the future. // a favorable outlook for the economy

Q: Where would 'anticipation' be a reasonable alternative to 'outlook'?

The synonyms anticipation and outlook are sometimes interchangeable, but anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen. // the anticipation of her arrival

Q: When is 'foretaste' a more appropriate choice than 'outlook'?

In some situations, the words foretaste and outlook are roughly equivalent. However, foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming. // the frost was a foretaste of winter

Q: When could 'prospect' be used to replace 'outlook'?

While in some cases nearly identical to outlook , prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern. // the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k

Definition of outlook

as in overlook

a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible the cliff-top outlook provides an expansive view of the sleepy village down in the valley

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in perspective

a way of looking at or thinking about something tried to keep a cheerful outlook on life

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in view

all that can be seen from a certain point the outlook from the tower is spectacular in all directions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun outlook differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of outlook are anticipation, foretaste, and prospect. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

Where would anticipation be a reasonable alternative to outlook?

The synonyms anticipation and outlook are sometimes interchangeable, but anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

When is foretaste a more appropriate choice than outlook?

In some situations, the words foretaste and outlook are roughly equivalent. However, foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

When could prospect be used to replace outlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to outlook, prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

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 outlook Every central banker is weighing the balance of these risks, though with Big Tech on his doorstep, Warsh will need to be all the more discerning in both his interpretation of the outlook and the delivery of his analysis. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026 Based on the share count at the end of the first quarter and the forward dividend outlook, KHC pays more than $520 million in dividends to Berkshire Hathaway. — Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Looking back afterward, Jeffrey told PEOPLE the experience permanently reshaped his outlook on life. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Democrats' welcome news in Alaska Senate Democrats are rejoicing after the nonpartisan Cook Political Report officially shifted its outlook today for the Alaska Senate race from leaning Republican to a toss-up. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for outlook

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlook

Noun

Over 82 nights in April, May, September and October, researchers interviewed visitors after dusk at campgrounds, scenic overlooks and parking areas.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 June 2026
Inside the monument, hit Harper’s Corner Road, a 31-mile-long (each way) scenic drive delivering a series of dramatic overlooks.

— Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026

Definition of overlook

Noun

Following the death of a close friend in a car accident as a teenager, Evans gained perspective that still shapes him today.

— Anthony Aguirre, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Through facilitated forums and advisory ecosystems, the organization builds environments where owners can test ideas, evaluate risk, and gain perspective from peers navigating comparable pressures.

— William Jones, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of perspective

Noun

The observatory, which is the oldest continuously operating weather observatory in North America, will be closed through Thursday for repairs and is expected to reopen Friday.

— Neal Riley, CBS News, 30 June 2026
At this point, astronomers will take over to return the observatory to its role as one of the most important tools for transient astronomy.

— Anna Y. Q. Ho, Scientific American, 29 June 2026

Definition of observatory

Noun

One of their favorites is driving to one of Oregon’s scenic viewpoints, Pilot Butte, to watch the sunset, where Middaugh often brings her professional camera, while Ward happily snaps photos on his iPhone.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
California purchased the swath of rocky cliffs and windswept shoreline in the 1960s to expand the construction of Highway 1 and create a scenic viewpoint for highway travelers, according to a California Coastal Commission report.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of viewpoint

Noun

In Laguna Beach, canopies — limited in size to 8 feet wide and 6 feet high — are only permitted in line with or behind lifeguard towers on Main Beach and the southernmost section of Aliso Beach.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Last September a new museum opened in Miami’s oldest skyscraper, a Mediterranean Revival building from 1925 modeled after the majestic Giralda cathedral tower in Seville, Spain.

— Ada Ferrer, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026

Definition of tower

Browse Nearby Words

outliving

outlook

outlooks

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Style

“Outlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlook. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of outlook

noun

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