come across

verb

came across; come across; coming across; comes across

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

• seem
• feel
• look
• sound

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

Sources, who prefer to remain anonymous to protect relationships, recognise that Spence is an introverted character who can come across as quite aloof, and that this image may not help his cause in moments like these. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 15 July 2026

But in the video, Baldwin almost immediately gave in to what his many critics say is expected of a polarizing media personality who comes across as entitled, narcissistic and attention-seeking. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

The rhetoric comes across as a little harsh, and some people are disappointed by that. — Jack Herrera, New Yorker, 14 July 2026

Dress Your Windows Bare windows can often come across as unfinished. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for come across

• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• menelaus
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• blas