1
as in met
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
2
as in found
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
3
as in faced
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
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 encountered
But what about those who have already encountered visitors from outer space?
—
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Both plans encountered staunch opposition from environmental groups and farming advocates and were eventually withdrawn.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
After allegedly returning illegally, he was encountered again by immigration officials following a 2006 arrest by the Dallas Police Department.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Inside, guests encountered the same thoughtful aesthetic that has defined Tian Tea House, now transformed into a dimmer, more intimate nighttime setting.
—Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
Arriving fire crews encountered heavy fire and smoke, a fire spokesperson said.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Las Vegas encountered 14 children in July 2019.
—Domingo Ramirez Jr, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
As trade networks crossed continents, epidemic control encountered something maritime quarantine never had to solve.
—Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Brown Recluses Brown recluses are not native to North Carolina, but they can be encountered in the Western tip of the state.
—Eva Flowe
may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Both plans encountered staunch opposition from environmental groups and farming advocates and were eventually withdrawn.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
After allegedly returning illegally, he was encountered again by immigration officials following a 2006 arrest by the Dallas Police Department.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Inside, guests encountered the same thoughtful aesthetic that has defined Tian Tea House, now transformed into a dimmer, more intimate nighttime setting.
—Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
Arriving fire crews encountered heavy fire and smoke, a fire spokesperson said.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Las Vegas encountered 14 children in July 2019.
—Domingo Ramirez Jr, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
As trade networks crossed continents, epidemic control encountered something maritime quarantine never had to solve.
—Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Brown Recluses Brown recluses are not native to North Carolina, but they can be encountered in the Western tip of the state.
—Eva Flowe
may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encountered
Verb
-
Larry King and Billie Jean King met at Cal State Los Angeles and married in 1965.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
The game Friday was the fourth year in a row the Colts and Highlanders met in the finals, and with the exception of 2025, the Colts have won each time.—
Ethan Hanson,
Daily News,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The backstory The property opened in March 2015 as the first hotel of the 1 Hotels brand founded by Barry Sternlight, and resides in the former Gansevoort Hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The Tea Party, that movement of grass-roots right-wing anger that evolved into MAGA, was founded the same year.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
This is not the first time Abiy has faced such accusations.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
-
Hernandez, who is transgender, has faced harassment and ire from anti-trans protesters and conservative pundits during the past two years.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Bilton’s arrival was immediately met with internal pushback from Pelley, who confronted the new boss during a heated all-hands meeting on Monday.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
3 June 2026
-
Once inside, deputies said, the man confronted the two women who were working at the time, pulled out a handgun and demanded access to the store's safe.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
If caught in a rip current, remain calm.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2026
-
Darryl Brown, a sergeant in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, was caught with the missing items after the photojournalist used a geo-tracking device to trace her missing gear to his home, the state’s attorney general said Thursday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
From here on out, you’re greeted by name and a warm smile, and every need is attended to.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Brady Boles greeted Lauridsen with a single up the middle.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encountered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encountered. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
