What does "overlook" mean?
A vista or point that gives a view down toward something else.
Overlook
/ˈəʊ.vəˌlʊk/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A vista or point that gives a view down toward something else.
- Grammar: overlook is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abide, abide with, accept, adjust.
- Useful contrasts: academic research, addressing system, awake.
- Usage evidence: This is too important to overlook.
How to use "overlook"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "overlook" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "overlook" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "overlook" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "overlook" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "overlook" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abide" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "overlook", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A vista or point that gives a view down toward something else.
"Normally a visitor does not participate in one activity to the exclusion of others. One main activity, such as swimming, will be supplemented by other activities and use of other facilities, such as picnicking, hiking, stopping at an overlook, and so forth."
- 2 a high place affording a good view wordnet
Verb
- 1 To offer a view (of something) from a higher position.
"Our hotel room overlooks the lake."
- 2 leave undone or leave out wordnet
- 3 To fail to notice; to look over and beyond (anything) without seeing it.
"These errors were overlooked by the proofreaders."
- 4 watch over wordnet
- 5 To pretend not to have noticed (something, especially a mistake or flaw); to pass over (something) without censure or punishment.
"I’m not willing to overlook such bad behaviour."
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 look past, fail to notice wordnet
- 7 To look down upon from above or from a higher location.
"The hill overlooks the valley."
- 8 look down on wordnet
- 9 To supervise, oversee; to watch over. archaic
"to overlook a gang of laborers"
- 10 be oriented in a certain direction wordnet
- 11 To observe or watch (someone or something) surreptitiously or secretly. archaic
"[…] you had need cause the party whome you will drawe to sit […] without stirring or altering the mouth were it neuer so little: wherefore you shall I beleeue find (a mans face) aboue all other creaturs the most troublesome vnto you: for either they will smile, be ouerlooking your hand, or setting their countenances to seeme gratious and comely, giue you choyse of twentie seuerall faces."
- 12 To inspect (something); to examine; to look over carefully or repeatedly. archaic
"And therefore I trust thou vvylt accept it as it is, specially considering, that I neither had leysure, nor quietnesse at the dooing of it, neither after the dooing had euer any tyme to ouerlooke it, but vvas driuen to deliuer it to the Printer, as I fyrst vvrote it […]"
- 13 To look upon with an evil eye; to bewitch by looking upon; to fascinate. archaic
"Portia: […]Beshrew your eyes, They have o'erlook'd me and divided me; One half of me is yours, the other half yours,— Mine own, I would say; but if mine, then yours, And so all yours![…]"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"This is too important to overlook."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "overlook"?
Common synonyms include: abide, abide with, accept, adjust, allow, allow for.
How do you use "overlook" in a sentence?
This is too important to overlook.
How do you pronounce "overlook"?
Pronounced /ˈəʊ.vəˌlʊk/.
Etymology
From Middle English overloken; equivalent to over- + look.