"Seems" is a verb that means to give the impression or appear to be a certain way. It suggests that something appears to be true or have a specific quality based on outward signs or indications. For example, if you say "It seems like it will rain," you are indicating that based on the current weather conditions, it appears likely that it will rain.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Looks to be. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.