General synonyms:
* Gazed: Implies a long, steady look, often with admiration or wonder.
* Stared: A fixed, intense look, often with curiosity or surprise.
* Glanced: A quick, brief look.
* Peered: A careful, close look, often trying to see something that is difficult to see.
* Observed: A more formal and deliberate look, often with the intention of understanding or learning something.
* Saw: The most basic synonym, meaning to perceive something visually.
* Beheld: A more poetic and formal word for "saw," often used for something impressive or beautiful.
Words emphasizing direction:
* Glance: A quick look in a particular direction.
* Scanned: A rapid, systematic look over something.
* Surveyed: A comprehensive look at something, taking in all the details.
* Turned: To change the direction of one's gaze.
Words emphasizing purpose:
* Examined: A close, detailed look, often for the purpose of analysis.
* Inspected: A careful look, often to check for quality or defects.
* Scrutinized: A very thorough and critical look, often with suspicion.
* Investigated: A deliberate look, seeking to find information or solve a problem.
* Contemplated: A thoughtful and prolonged look, often with a philosophical or artistic intent.
Words with negative connotations:
* Glared: A fierce, hostile look.
* Scowled: A disapproving, angry look.
* Frowned: A disapproving or worried look.
* Leered: A suggestive, sexually predatory look.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the desired meaning.