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.
Other data has fed into a more bullish or rosy outlook for the labor market. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 The stakes for next week’s inflation data just got higher, now that Friday’s jobs report introduced a new wrinkle to the interest rate outlook. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 Peridot acts as a buffer for Virgos, helping to soften their tendency for self-criticism and encouraging a more optimistic outlook. — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026 But some economists are expecting a less rosy economic outlook. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Outlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlook. Accessed 14 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on outlook

Nglish: Translation of outlook for Spanish Speakers

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