Meaning & use

glance

verb·Everyday

To look at something quickly or briefly, rather than staring or examining closely.

See it in a sentence

She glanced at her watch and realized she was already ten minutes late.

He glanced over the report before the meeting but didn't have time to read it fully.

A note on using this word

As a noun, 'a glance' names the quick look itself, as in 'at first glance' or 'a passing glance'.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. noun

A brief or hurried look at someone or something.

One glance at her face told him something was wrong.

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