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

transitive verb

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

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.
In any other industry, a leader who has a dominant presence, and comes across confident — and maybe aggressive or arrogant — is seen as an asset. Miami Herald, 10 Dec. 2025 If designed poorly, tartan interiors can occasionally come across as overdone or even gimmicky—like a Christmas catalogue on steroids. Cornelia Powers, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2025 Instead Tripp comes across as simultaneously pitiful and predatory, a fine line that Paulson was able to walk straight to the year-round Christmas store. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025 Fortunately, the clients had also come across the work of Officine Gullo in their hunt for inspiration. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Come across.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/come%20across. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

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