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Synonyms

overlook

American  
[oh-ver-look, oh-ver-look] / ˌoʊ vərˈlʊk, ˈoʊ vərˌlʊk /

verb (used with object)

  1. to fail to notice, perceive, or consider.

    to overlook a misspelled word.

    Synonyms:
    miss
  2. to disregard or ignore indulgently, as faults or misconduct.

    Only a parent could overlook that kind of behavior.

  3. to look over, as from a higher position.

    a balcony that overlooks the ballroom.

  4. to afford a view over; look down or out upon.

    a hill overlooking the sea.

  5. to rise above.

    The Washington Monument overlooks the tidal basin.

  6. to excuse; pardon.

    a minor infraction we can overlook this time.

  7. to look over in inspection, examination, or perusal.

    They allowed us to overlook the proposed contract.

  8. to look after, oversee, or supervise.

    She has to overlook a large number of employees.

  9. Archaic. to look upon with the evil eye; bewitch.


noun

  1. terrain, as on a cliff, that affords an attractive vista or a good view.

    Miles of landscape could be seen from the overlook.

overlook British  

verb

  1. to fail to notice or take into account

  2. to disregard deliberately or indulgently

  3. to look at or over from above

    the garden is overlooked by the prison

  4. to afford a view of from above

    the house overlooks the bay

  5. to rise above

  6. to look after

  7. to look at carefully

  8. to bewitch or cast the evil eye upon (someone)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a high place affording a view

  2. an act of overlooking

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See slight.

Etymology

Origin of overlook

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; over-, look

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many investors considering energy stocks often overlook coal, but the segment has produced some standout performers over the past year.

From Barron's

According to that description, the home featured a spacious main living area with a “romantic fireplace” as well as “walls of glass” that opened up to a huge deck overlooking the ocean.

From MarketWatch

Limiting recruitment to elite institutions overlooks the strength and genius of our higher-education system.

From The Wall Street Journal

She said the representation goes a long way, particularly for young women who she feels are often overlooked.

From BBC

“Relying on guidelines developed elsewhere risks overlooking local conditions and realities that matter for effective public health policy,” Michaud said.

From Salon