come across

Short definition: The phrase come across means to find something by chance, or to appear in a particular way to others, often describing accidental discovery or the impression you give.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb come across? This is a very common expression in English and it has both literal and figurative meanings. It can describe finding something by chance, or the way someone appears to other people. Because it often relates to impressions and unexpected discoveries, context plays a very important role. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how come across works in everyday English.

come across v. /ˌkʌm əˈkrɒs/

Forms: come across, comes across, came across, come across, coming across
Related: appear v., seem v., discover v., encounter v.
Syllable: come-a-cross

(Verb) To find something or meet someone by chance.
To come across most commonly means to find something unexpectedly or meet someone by accident, without planning it in advance.

I came across an old photo while cleaning my room.

She came across a useful article online by chance.

We came across a small café while walking through the city.

Synonyms: find accidentally, discover, encounter, stumble upon, run into, uncover, locate by chance, bump into, spot unexpectedly, happen upon, meet randomly, detect by surprise
Antonyms: search deliberately, look for, avoid, miss, overlook, ignore, pass by intentionally, fail to notice, skip over, lose track of, not encounter, bypass knowingly
(Verb) To appear or give a particular impression to others.
Come across can also describe the way someone seems or appears to other people, especially in terms of personality or attitude.

He comes across as confident during interviews.

She didn’t mean to come across as rude.

The message came across as sincere and thoughtful.

Synonyms: seem, appear, sound, present oneself as, give impression of, be perceived as, look like, act like, convey, project, be viewed as, be interpreted as
Antonyms: hide true self, misrepresent intentionally, disguise personality, mask feelings, conceal attitude, confuse impression, distort image, mislead, give wrong signal, be misunderstood, obscure intention, contradict appearance

Conversation Using the Phrasal Verb Come across

While browsing in an old antique bookstore, Julian and Mia discuss their discoveries. This dialogue explores come across, which means to find something by chance, or to behave in a way that makes people have a particular opinion of you.

Julian: I didn't expect to come across such a rare edition of this poetry book in such a small and hidden shop like this.

Mia: It’s a great find; I often come across interesting old photographs when I’m looking through these dusty cardboard boxes.

Julian: I read that some people come across as very arrogant when they are actually just very shy and uncomfortable in social situations.

Mia: I noticed that the candidate managed to come across as very knowledgeable and confident during the televised debate last night.

Julian: If you come across any information regarding the history of this building, please let me know for my research project.

Mia: I saw a hiker come across a hidden waterfall while he was exploring a part of the forest that wasn't on the main map.

Julian: It’s funny how you can come across the perfect solution to a problem when you aren't even actively thinking about it anymore.

Mia: I agree; I want to come across as professional during the interview, so I’ve been practicing my answers all morning.

Julian: I’m glad I decided to come across the street to this shop; it’s much better than the larger bookstores in the city center.

Mia: Me too; once you come across a treasure like that book, the whole trip feels like a major and rewarding success.

Phrases Containing the Phrasal Verb Come Across

The phrases below show how the phrasal verb come across is used to talk about finding something by chance, giving a certain impression, or communicating in a particular way.

Come across as confident

To give the impression of confidence.

During the interview, she came across as confident and well-prepared, even though she admitted feeling nervous inside.

Come across as rude

To seem impolite.

He didn’t mean to offend anyone, but his direct comments sometimes come across as rude.

Come across an old photo

To find something unexpectedly.

While cleaning the attic, I came across an old photo that reminded me of our childhood adventures.

Come across clearly

To be understood easily.

The message did not come across clearly in the email, so we scheduled a meeting to clarify it.

Come across a problem

To encounter an issue.

During the installation process, we came across a problem that required technical assistance.

Come across naturally

To appear genuine.

Her speech came across naturally and made the audience feel connected to her story.

Come across as honest

To seem truthful.

He came across as honest because he openly admitted his mistakes and explained how he learned from them.

Come across unexpectedly

To find something by surprise.

I came across unexpectedly a rare book in a small bookstore while traveling abroad.

Come across strongly

To express something clearly and powerfully.

Her concerns came across strongly during the discussion, prompting serious consideration from the team.

Come across as friendly

To appear kind and approachable.

The new employee came across as friendly and eager to collaborate with everyone.

Come across a great idea

To discover a good concept.

While browsing online forums, she came across a great idea that inspired her next project.

Come across in writing

To be expressed clearly in text.

Sometimes humor does not come across in writing as effectively as it does in conversation.

Come across as professional

To appear competent and serious.

He came across as professional by maintaining eye contact and speaking calmly throughout the presentation.

Come across a stranger

To meet someone unexpectedly.

She came across a stranger asking for directions while walking home late at night.

Come across convincingly

To be persuasive.

His explanation came across convincingly, leaving little doubt about his sincerity.

Come across a solution

To find an answer by chance.

After hours of searching, they finally came across a solution that resolved the issue completely.

Come across as negative

To appear pessimistic.

She didn’t want to come across as negative, but she felt it was important to address the risks involved.

Come across confidently

To appear self-assured.

With careful preparation, he managed to come across confidently during the public speech.

Come across a hidden talent

To discover an unexpected ability.

The teacher came across a hidden talent in one of her quiet students during a class performance.

Come across effectively

To communicate successfully.

The campaign message came across effectively and attracted widespread support.

Words Rhyme with come across

some across

hum across

drum across

plum across

sum across

become across

crumb across

numb across

thumb across

from across

across

loss

boss

moss

gloss

floss

sauce

toss

cross

dross

emboss

lacrosse

albatross

chaos

remorse

divorce

source

course

force

horse

POS: Verb Phrase