come across

To find or meet someone or something without looking for them.

• I came across an old photo.
• She came across this recipe online.
• Have you ever come across such a strange name?

How to use it: come across someone/something (I came across an old friend at the station.)

Similar words: find, encounter, run into

Common phrases: come across something, come across someone

To seem a particular way to other people.

• You come across as friendly.
• She came across well in the interview.
• Did my message come across as rude?

How to use it: come across as something (He comes across as a kind person.); come across to someone (How did I come across to the audience?)

Similar words: seem, appear

Common phrases: come across well, come across badly, come across as friendly

To move from the other side of something toward the speaker or a particular place.

• Come across the road to us.
• She came across the room to greet me.
• Can you come across the field?

How to use it: come across something (Come across the bridge and meet us here.)

Similar words: cross

Common phrases: come across here, come across something

To leave one group and join a group that competes against it.

• Will you come across to our side?
• Several lawyers came across to the rival firm.
• She hopes more supporters will come across before the vote.

How to use it: come across to someone/something (Two members came across to our party.)

Similar words: switch sides, defect

Common phrases: come across to us, come across willingly

To provide the money, help, or results that someone needs or expects.

• We needed help, and she came across.
• He finally came across with the promised cash.
• Can the supplier come across with the goods today?

How to use it: come across with something (The sponsor came across with the money we needed.)

Similar words: deliver, come through

Common phrases: come across with money, come across finally

To finally agree to do what someone wants you to do.

• After much persuasion, he came across.
• She refused at first but eventually came across.
• Keep asking; they may come across in the end.

Similar words: give in, agree, yield

Opposites: refuse

Common phrases: come across eventually, come across finally