1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encounter
Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 Apr. 2025
The discovery of the drugs within shipments of bell peppers and cucumbers was made on April 11, when CBP officers assigned to the international bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer entering the U.S. from Mexico.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
People with untreated mental-health issues are sixteen times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than others approached by law enforcement, according to the Treatment Advocacy Center, a nonprofit that works on behalf of people with severe mental illness.
—Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encounter
Verb
Without giving away too many spoilers, the storyline involves multiple characters, scenes, and encounters on an island as well as in New York City.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 Apr. 2025
The discovery of the drugs within shipments of bell peppers and cucumbers was made on April 11, when CBP officers assigned to the international bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer entering the U.S. from Mexico.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
Family Festival Days at animal center Spring Tails Family Festival Days feature hands-on animal encounters, crafts and games from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27 at Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo Road.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
People with untreated mental-health issues are sixteen times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than others approached by law enforcement, according to the Treatment Advocacy Center, a nonprofit that works on behalf of people with severe mental illness.
—Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encounter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encounter
Verb
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The decision was met with gratitude from Selena’s family, who released a heartfelt statement on Instagram.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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And as of Thursday, nearly $8,000 of the $9,000 target had been met.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Sporting found some moments of control in the second half and finally got a foothold in the game again.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
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Those few minutes sent students scrambling for cover and barricading themselves around campus until authorities found them.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The brand sources its whiskey from other distilleries, but in 2022 it was announced that Pernod would build a dedicated distillery and warehouses for the brand, proof of its success and belief in the future of American whiskey (which, admittedly, is currently facing some headwinds).—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
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Social media personality Tate, who along with his brother Tristan faces rape, human trafficking and tax evasion charges in Romania, the U.K. and the U.S. (and even more allegations as recent as March this year), is a pioneer of the manosphere.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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However the trade saga develops from here, the first skirmishes in a trade war, a dreaded relic of the Great Depression, have begun in the 21st century.—
Jeff Sommer,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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After all, listening is a great tool for influencing people, navigating conflict, and soothing relationship skirmishes.—
Aditi Shrikant,
CNBC,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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What the narrator has to get away from is the assortment of low-grade humiliations and condescending attitudes she is confronted with every day while clocked in at the restaurant.—
Rhian Sasseen,
The Atlantic,
17 Apr. 2025
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The brothers, having both military and criminal experience (not to mention their Chicago armamentarium), confront white racists with startling boldness, openly threatening Hogwood.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This set has brushes to apply foundation, contouring and more.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Talking to the twins offers a study in a type of seriousness – painting with a broad brush here – uncommon to high school students.—
Rob Oller,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that the mayor of Heath, Ohio — where work was paused — caught the city officials by surprise.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
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Doses are given at: 2 months 4 months 6 months 15–18 months 4–6 years Can adults get whooping cough? Adults can catch whooping cough, though symptoms tend to be milder than in children.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The 27-year-old’s striking was on point throughout the fight.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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According to Fox 4 News, Anthony, who is Black, is accused of stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who was white during a fight at Kuykendall Stadium.—
Oumou Fofana,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Encounter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encounter. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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