looking
11 synonyms for looking, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of directing one's eyes toward something; a glance or gaze.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old English lōcung, the noun form of look, with the -ing ending that turns a verb into an action-noun.
Full origin of looking →Frequently asked questions
What does “looking” mean?
The word “looking” means the act of directing one's eyes toward something; a glance or gaze. In plain terms, the act of using your eyes to see or search for something.
How do you pronounce “looking”?
“Looking” is pronounced LUU-kihng (/ˈlʊkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “looking” in a sentence?
Here is “looking” used in a sentence: “A quick looking around the room told her nobody was home.”
What part of speech is “looking”?
“Looking” is a noun.
Where does the word “looking” come from?
The word “looking” comes from Old English. From Old English lōcung, the noun form of look, with the -ing ending that turns a verb into an action-noun.
Is “looking” a common word?
“Looking” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between looking and seeing?
Looking is an active choice — you deliberately direct your eyes toward something to observe it. Seeing is passive: it simply happens when light reaches your eyes, whether you mean it to or not. You can look at a page without seeing the mistake, or see something in the corner of your eye without looking.
What is the difference between looking and watching?
Looking is directing your eyes toward something for a moment — a glance or a gaze. Watching means looking at something over a stretch of time, usually because it moves or changes, like watching a film. You look at a photograph, but you watch a game unfold from start to finish.
What is an example of 'looking' as a noun?
Used as a noun, 'looking' names the act of using one's eyes, as in 'a quick looking around the room' or the phrase 'looking is free.' It often blends into gerund phrases like 'window-looking.' In most everyday sentences, though, a 'look,' 'glance,' or 'gaze' is the more natural noun choice.
Related words
caught looking
here's looking at you
looking glass
not see for looking
on the outside, looking in
strike out looking
what are you looking at
