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.
Simon comes across as less of a polemicist and more of a stylist. — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026 The collection’s attempt at provocation was perhaps best illustrated by a top with underboob exposure that seemed intended to signal a rebellious edge but came across as little more than an ill-fitting garment in search of a point of view. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 After coming across our insightful articles in the course of their online research, potential clients are often inspired to reach out for trip-planning assistance. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026 Others do not, such as the TV show conceit, which, though provocative in theory, will come across to many readers as functionally cosmetic. — Literary Hub, 8 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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