26 Other Ways to Say GLANCE (Synonyms with Examples)

When you want to describe a quick look or a brief sight, there are many words you can use instead of "glance." Words like peek, glimpse, gaze, and scan can convey the same idea but with slightly different feelings. Each synonym has its own usage and tone. In this article, we will explore 26 other ways to say glance with examples.

26 Different Ways to Say GLANCE: Another Word for Glance

Peek

Peek means to take a quick, often secretive look at something. It works as a synonym for glance because it implies a brief and sometimes hidden look. Use peek when you want to show curiosity, playfulness, or caution. This word is casual and friendly and can fit both spoken and written English. Peek gives a sense of a short, momentary observation.

She peeked at the gift before the party started.
He peeked through the curtains to see who was outside.
The child peeked inside the box to see the toy.

Glimpse

Glimpse is used when you see something for a very short time or partially. It is perfect when describing a quick visual impression without full attention. Glimpse conveys a sense of fleeting observation. It is often used in storytelling, news, or personal experiences. This word fits situations where the look is brief but meaningful.

I caught a glimpse of the rainbow before it disappeared.
She glimpsed the actor walking by in the crowd.
He glimpsed the car as it sped past.

Gaze

Gaze is a steady look with attention or admiration. Unlike a glance, it can last longer but still represents focused observation. Gaze works as a synonym in cases where you want to show interest or wonder. Use it when someone is looking at something carefully or with emotion. Gaze often conveys thoughtfulness or curiosity.

She gazed at the painting for several minutes.
He gazed at the stars in the night sky.
The mother gazed lovingly at her child.

Scan

Scan is to look quickly over something to find information. It works as a synonym for glance because it can describe a brief but purposeful look. This word is useful in professional, academic, or everyday situations. Scan implies a fast check or review, often over multiple items. It combines speed with attention.

He scanned the document for important dates.
She scanned the room to find her friend.
The teacher scanned the students' homework quickly.

Peekaboo

Peekaboo is playful and often used with children. It describes a quick appearance or look and is a fun version of glance. Use peekaboo in lighthearted situations or storytelling. It is less formal and creates a sense of surprise or amusement. The word also conveys movement with sight.

The baby laughed during a game of peekaboo.
She played peekaboo with the kitten.
He covered his eyes for a peekaboo surprise.

Look

Look is the simplest synonym for glance. It can mean a brief or longer observation depending on the context. Look is versatile and works in almost every situation where glance could be used. It is easy to understand and widely used in daily conversation. It can describe both attention and casual observation.

She looked at the clock and realized she was late.
He looked at the menu before ordering.
They looked out the window to see the snow.

Eye

Eye is often used as a verb meaning to watch or look at something carefully. It is a synonym for glance when someone observes with purpose. Eye can imply curiosity, interest, or suspicion. This word is informal but can be used in both casual and literary contexts. It suggests focus even in a brief look.

He eyed the cake before taking a slice.
She eyed the suspicious package carefully.
They eyed the new car in the showroom.

Peep

Peep is similar to peek and implies a quick or secret look. It is often used in playful or cautious contexts. Peep works when you want to describe a tiny, fleeting glimpse. This word is informal and often used with children or animals. It gives a sense of curiosity mixed with carefulness.

The kitten peeped through the fence.
He peeped at the invitation before opening it.
She peeped around the corner to see who was there.

Observe

Observe is a more formal synonym for glance. It means to look carefully and notice details. Observe works when describing attention to something important or meaningful. This word fits professional, academic, and storytelling contexts. Observing can be quick or long, but it always implies awareness.

The scientist observed the experiment closely.
She observed the students during the test.
He observed the behavior of the birds in the park.

Check

Check is used when looking briefly to confirm or inspect something. It is a practical synonym for glance in everyday situations. Check implies purpose and quick action. This word is useful in both professional and casual contexts. People often use it for safety, verification, or review.

He checked the time on his watch.
She checked the doors before leaving.
They checked the list to make sure nothing was missing.

Sight

Sight can be used to describe seeing something quickly. It works as a synonym for glance because it emphasizes the act of seeing. Sight is formal and literary in some cases, but it fits casual use too. It often implies noticing something suddenly or unexpectedly.

He caught sight of the ship in the distance.
She caught sight of her friend in the crowd.
They caught sight of the rare bird in the forest.

Stare

Stare usually means a long, fixed look, but it can work as a contrast to glance when describing intense focus. It conveys attention and curiosity. Stare is useful when comparing brief and long looks. It often suggests interest, surprise, or disbelief.

He stared at the painting, lost in thought.
She stared at the strange machine.
They stared at the sky in amazement.

Watch

Watch is to look at something attentively over time. It works as a synonym for glance when the observation is quick but can also extend longer. Watch suggests awareness and caution. It is widely used in daily life, such as watching events, people, or time.

He watched the birds fly across the sky.
She watched the children play.
They watched the sunset together.

Review

Review is used when looking over something carefully, often in documents or work. It can serve as a synonym for glance in professional or academic contexts. Review implies a quick but thorough look. It is formal but common in work-related situations.

She reviewed the report before the meeting.
He reviewed the notes quickly.
They reviewed the rules before the game.

Browse

Browse means to look casually at things without deep focus. It is perfect for a relaxed synonym for glance. Browse is often used for shops, books, or websites. This word conveys curiosity and light attention rather than careful study.

She browsed the bookstore for a new novel.
He browsed the menu before ordering.
They browsed the website for ideas.

Inspect

Inspect means to look closely to check for details or problems. It is more intense than a glance but can work as a synonym in professional contexts. Inspect is formal and often used for quality control or safety checks. It combines observation with evaluation.

The engineer inspected the bridge carefully.
She inspected the dress before buying it.
He inspected the car for damages.

Notice

Notice means to see or become aware of something briefly. It works as a synonym for glance when you want to describe a short observation. Notice emphasizes recognition or attention. This word is useful in storytelling, daily life, and formal contexts.

She noticed the mistake immediately.
He noticed the new painting in the gallery.
They noticed the bird singing outside.

Survey

Survey means to look over a whole area quickly. It is a synonym for glance when describing observation of space or surroundings. Survey suggests careful but brief attention to details. It is often used in professional, academic, and descriptive writing.

He surveyed the room before entering.
She surveyed the landscape from the hilltop.
They surveyed the crowd at the event.

Skim

Skim is used when reading or looking over something quickly. It is a perfect synonym for glance in written material contexts. Skim implies speed and selective attention, catching only main points. It is casual but practical for studying, reading, or reviewing.

He skimmed the article for key points.
She skimmed the report before the meeting.
They skimmed the book to find the chapter.

Spot

Spot means to notice or see something quickly. It is similar to glance because it conveys a sudden or brief observation. Spot is informal and often used in casual conversations. It suggests awareness and immediate recognition.

He spotted his friend in the crowd.
She spotted the mistake in the document.
They spotted a rare bird in the garden.

Cast

Cast means to direct a look briefly in a direction. It works as a synonym for glance in literary or descriptive contexts. Cast is slightly formal but conveys elegance and intention. It often implies a short, purposeful look.

She cast a glance at the clock.
He cast his eyes over the notes.
They cast quick looks at each other.

Glint

Glint is usually used to describe a brief flash of light in the eyes or on a surface. It works as a synonym for glance when describing a very quick sight. Glint conveys speed, brightness, or emotion. It is often poetic or descriptive.

A glint of hope appeared in her eyes.
He saw a glint of light on the water.
The sword caught a glint in the sun.

Squint

Squint means to look with partly closed eyes, usually to see better. It works as a synonym for glance when describing a quick or difficult look. Squint suggests effort or strain. It is casual and often used in everyday situations.

She squinted at the sign in the distance.
He squinted to read the tiny text.
They squinted against the bright sunlight.

Behold

Behold is a formal and old-fashioned synonym for glance. It means to see or observe something impressive or amazing. Behold is used in literature or poetic contexts. It conveys admiration, wonder, or attention.

Behold the beauty of the mountains.
He beheld the sunrise in silence.
They beheld the masterpiece with awe.

Peruse

Peruse means to read or look at something carefully. It is a synonym for glance in formal or professional contexts when describing careful observation. Peruse can also imply skimming depending on context. It suggests attention to detail or interest.

She perused the contract before signing.
He perused the magazine while waiting.
They perused the documents thoroughly.

Flash

Flash is used to describe a very quick or sudden look. It works as a synonym for glance in fast or dramatic situations. Flash conveys speed, surprise, or intensity. It is informal and often used in storytelling or casual descriptions.

He gave a flash of recognition.
She flashed a quick look at him.
They flashed their eyes across the room.

Table of Synonyms for Glance

Synonym	Example
Peek	She peeked at the gift before the party started.
Glimpse	I caught a glimpse of the rainbow before it disappeared.
Gaze	She gazed at the painting for several minutes.
Scan	He scanned the document for important dates.
Peekaboo	The baby laughed during a game of peekaboo.
Look	She looked at the clock and realized she was late.
Eye	He eyed the cake before taking a slice.
Peep	The kitten peeped through the fence.
Observe	The scientist observed the experiment closely.
Check	He checked the time on his watch.
Sight	He caught sight of the ship in the distance.
Stare	He stared at the painting, lost in thought.
Watch	He watched the birds fly across the sky.
Review	She reviewed the report before the meeting.
Browse	She browsed the bookstore for a new novel.
Inspect	The engineer inspected the bridge carefully.
Notice	She noticed the mistake immediately.
Survey	He surveyed the room before entering.
Skim	He skimmed the article for key points.
Spot	He spotted his friend in the crowd.
Cast	She cast a glance at the clock.
Glint	A glint of hope appeared in her eyes.
Squint	She squinted at the sign in the distance.
Behold	Behold the beauty of the mountains.
Peruse	She perused the contract before signing.
Flash	He gave a flash of recognition.

Also Read: 31 Other Ways to Say ASPIRE | Aspire Synonyms (Examples)

Final Thoughts

I hope this article helps you understand 26 different ways to say glance. Each synonym has its own meaning and context. Using them makes your writing and speaking more interesting. Now you can choose words like peek, glimpse, gaze, or flash depending on the situation. Practice using them in daily conversation or writing. Your expressions will become richer, clearer, and more enjoyable for readers.