Synonyms for

Encounter

Verb / ɪˈnkaʊntɜ: / / ɪˈnkaʊnɜ: / Another word for encounter — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To meet or come across someone or something unexpectedly.

Synonyms & similar words

bump find happen confrontation clash skirmish faceoff meet meeting comeacross play comingupon brush see chance takeon runacross receive runinto showdown meet find confront face discover experience

Synonyms by register

Formal

confront meet face experience

Informal

bump into run into meet up with come across

Literary

chance upon light upon foregather

Antonyms

avoid shun evade dodge escape miss sidestep

Common collocations

  • unexpected encounter
  • chance encounter
  • brief encounter
  • first encounter
  • hostile encounter
  • chance upon an encounter
  • have an encounter

Word family

noun encounter
verb encounter
adjective encounterable

Usage note

As a noun, 'encounter' often implies an unexpected meeting. As a verb, it can mean to meet someone or something, or to face a challenge.

Example sentences

  1. I had an encounter with a wild bear in the forest.
  2. I hope to encounter new friends in my new school.
  3. We might encounter some problems along the way.
  4. I didn't expect to encounter my ex-boyfriend at the party.
  5. The astronaut encountered aliens on his space mission.

Quotes

  • In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. - Albert Einstein
  • “We don't develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.” - Barbara De Angelis
  • “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” - Abraham Lincoln

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