encounter 1 of 2

1
2
3
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
Fans will recall a scene where a much younger Georgia encountered Joe, took those sunglasses from him and left. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 2 June 2025 But like the Europeans involved in the Normandy talks, Trump too is encountering similar barriers to any meaningful progress. Anna Batta, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
Noun
In messages to Combs shown in court, Mia described some of these encounters. Jenna Sundel joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 Israeli troops had cut down a tree in Lebanese territory which was obscuring their view, prompting a Lebanese soldier to fire warning shots, an encounter that spiralled into clashes. Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for encounter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encounter
Verb
  • With a black brace on his left arm, Steele met with reporters in the home clubhouse before Tuesday’s 4-3 11-inning win over the Colorado Rockies, publicly addressing his future for the first time since the operation.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Brailsford and Silverman first met during Pride back in 2015 after they were introduced by mutual friends.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Fears that a serial killer is at large were reignited by the recent discovery of a body in a Texas lake, where 19 corpses have been found over the past three years.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The precious mineral is facing a baseline 10% import duty to the U.S. — a market accounting for over half of the global demand for polished diamonds.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 28 May 2025
  • Both Earps and Hampton have played a very similar number of minutes and faced a very similar number of shots, but Earps’ shot-stopping has not been as strong, conceding 1.6 goals more than expected, based on the quality of shots faced.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Nuñez warned that more skirmishes could occur on Sunday as PSG will parade on the Champs-Élysées before celebrating the title with their fans at the Parc des Princes stadium.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of land disputes, though Thailand said after the short skirmish that the situation had been resolved.
    DAVID RISING, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • If things feel overwhelming, consider this a green light to address the situation and confront what’s been lingering beneath the surface.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • Drawing from figures like James Baldwin and Richard Pryor, the artist confronts the failures of representation through works that are at once minimalist and deeply charged.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Don't clean marble with brushes, scouring pads, or scrubber sponges.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025
  • Containment began along the north edge of the fire as bulldozers cleared lines in the brush to stop its spread.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Three days later, as the young boy recovers, a 17-year-old was caught and charged for the alleged shooting.
    Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
  • Fans lined up early and made signs to catch a glimpse of the future star.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Fernandez’s defense attorney said a fight had broken out, and the dad ran across the street to check it out when his son ran after him and was hit.
    Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • This is not the first time a fight has broken out at a Disney park.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Encounter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encounter. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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