ENCOUNTER Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

encounter 1 of 2

verb

in-ˈkau̇n-tər

Definition of encounter

as in to meet

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face quite unexpectedly encountered our next-door neighbor while vacationing in Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to find

to come upon unexpectedly or by chance we encountered a host of unforeseen problems during the restoration of our 200-year-old house

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to face

to enter into contest or conflict with the troops encountered bands of guerrilla fighters as they made their way across the desert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

encounter

2 of 2

noun

as in skirmish

a brief clash between enemies or rivals survived an encounter with the school bully at the local park

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of encounter

Verb

Policies around them have encountered resistance from the dairy industry, property owners and lawmakers sympathetic to their interests. — Jonathan Mingle, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2026 Then, possibly, the lifeboat encountered more of the bad weather the Mary Celeste had already experienced and sank. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026

Noun

Back on Earth, an upcoming event at Oulu Cathedral offers a more immediate encounter with the bursts. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 11 Nov. 2026 During that first encounter, Jason let the bull melt back into the willows. — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 11 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encounter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encounter

Verb

The couple met in 2018 through a Mormon dating app and tied the knot the next year, before welcoming their first child, Nora, in November 2021.

— Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
Whether you’re headed to a Saturday tailgate, taking a leaf-peeping nature walk, or just meeting friends for dinner, there’s something for everyone.

— Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of meet

Verb

From his emergence in the mid-1950s until his passing in 2018, Taylor not only disassembled jazz and reconstructed it in his own style, but also found ways to make the world listen.

— Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
Police previously said investigators found no evidence of an actual plan to carry out violence at the school.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of find

Verb

Accommodations face either the ocean or the mountains and all have small balconies or lanais big enough for a couple of chairs and a small table.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
But their presence in the North Carolina beverage market is facing an uncertain future as lawmakers consider tighter restrictions on hemp products.

— Evan Moore November 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of face

Noun

After a bloody skirmish with the orcs and wild men, an imposing figure arrives on horseback, grabbing one of the warriors and hurling him at Galadriel’s approaching horse.

— Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green was involved in a skirmish on Monday night.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of skirmish

Verb

Convinced by the gesture, Dench went on to play Aereon in the 2004 film, the elemental ambassador who guides Riddick (Diesel) through his tumultuous travels to rescue his old allies and confront the head of the Necromonger empire.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
In his acceptance speech, Villeneuve revealed a little about his creative expression, too, and used it as a lead-in to confront the existential crisis imposed by artificial intelligence.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of confront

Verb

Political reporters could sleep late, have a long lunch, even catch a movie.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
ThreadNanny Oven Liners provide a barrier between the oven bottom and potential splatter, catching debris before reaching the oven floor.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026