come across

verb

came across; come across; coming across; comes across
Synonyms of come acrossnext

intransitive verb

1
: to give over or furnish something demanded
especially : to pay over money
2
: to produce an impression
comes across as a good speaker
3
: come through sense 2

transitive verb

: to meet, find, or encounter especially by chance
Researchers have come across important new evidence.

Synonyms of come across

Relevance
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Examples of come across in a Sentence

the law professor comes across as a bit of an ogre at first, but he's actually quite personable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Authorities praised those who reported the threat and encouraged others who come across something suspicious to report it to law enforcement. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Digging through old family books, Jaipuria came across the Sri Tattva Nidhi, a compilation of art, music, and literary passages put together by Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, one of the Mysore maharajas. — Nuriyah Johar, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026 In the book, Dawood comes across as the person with the most concerns throughout the wait, while OceanGate operatives reassure her. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 At first impression, Branswell could come across as intense, even, by her own admission, a bit gruff. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for come across

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of come across was in 1775

Rhymes for come across

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Browse Nearby Words

come a cropper
come across
come across as
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Come across.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/come%20across. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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