come about

verb

came about; come about; coming about; comes about

intransitive verb

1

: happen

2

: to change direction

the wind has come about into the north

3

: to shift to a new tack

Synonyms of come about

• happen
• be
• come down
• come
• occur

Examples of come about in a Sentence

how did all this come about?

Recent Examples on the Web

Burnough’s relationship with the Obamas came about through mutual connections. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

The news of the investigation comes about two weeks after the monitor overseeing the union for the federal government published a scathing report in federal court, alleging that Fain did, indeed, retaliate unfairly against Boyer in 2024. — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 12 July 2026

But the same couldn’t be said for how the goal came about — a deep cross delivered by Xavi — or how it was finished. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026

The new location came about through one of those relationships. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for come about

• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout
• dugout

Kids Definition

come about

verb

1

: happen sense 2

2

: to change direction

the wind has come about into the north