outlook

noun

out·​look ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k How to pronounce outlook (audio)
Synonyms of outlooknext
1
a
: a place offering a view
b
: a view from a particular place
2
: point of view
a positive outlook on life
3
: the act of looking out
4
: the prospect for the future
… the outlook for steel demand in the United States—Wall Street Jour.

Synonyms of outlook

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prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of outlook in a Sentence

The students all seemed to have the same outlook. Despite our differences in outlook, we got along together very well. scenic outlooks along the highway
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Week six of the NFL season is almost over, and season outlooks are starting to solidify for many teams. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2026 Yields on France's government bonds, known as OATs, have moved sharply higher in recent weeks amid rising concerns about the country's fiscal outlook — fueling fears of a fresh sovereign debt crisis impacting the euro zone. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026 An ideal combination of crisp October nights and sunny days is the reason for the outlook. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026 New Magic coach Sean Sweeney, who’s entering his first season as a head coach in the NBA after years as a top assistant, talked recently about his outlook on managing injuries from a roster standpoint. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outlook

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outlook was in 1667

Rhymes for outlook

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Browse Nearby Words

outlive one's usefulness
outlook
outlooker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlook. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outlook

noun
out·​look ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k How to pronounce outlook (audio)
1
a
: a place offering a view
b
: a view from a particular place
2
: point of view
3
: conditions that seem to lie ahead
the outlook for business
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