1
as in met
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 found
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
3
as in faced
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encountered
By trapping and levitating phonons in a vacuum with an optical tweezer, the researchers demonstrated the technology with the device, but also encountered noise issues.
—
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Officers encountered large groups of juveniles downtown on Sunday and responded to multiple fights, officials said.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Upon arrival, crews encountered a detached garage fire, with exposure concerns to nearby structures, the news release said.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The project grew out of testimonies Ozirna encountered in the early days of the war.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026
It is found growing at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet but is infrequently encountered in the nursery trade.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
While heading for resupply before its next escort mission, the frigate encountered a minefield laid by Iran the night before, according to Cox.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
City officials said crews encountered unexpected conditions while removing aging infrastructure inside the pool, requiring additional time and specialized equipment.
—Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Three people were taken to a hospital after a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles encountered turbulence shortly before landing in Sydney on Friday, health officials in Australia said.
—Jay Ganglani, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Officers encountered large groups of juveniles downtown on Sunday and responded to multiple fights, officials said.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Upon arrival, crews encountered a detached garage fire, with exposure concerns to nearby structures, the news release said.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The project grew out of testimonies Ozirna encountered in the early days of the war.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026
It is found growing at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet but is infrequently encountered in the nursery trade.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
While heading for resupply before its next escort mission, the frigate encountered a minefield laid by Iran the night before, according to Cox.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
City officials said crews encountered unexpected conditions while removing aging infrastructure inside the pool, requiring additional time and specialized equipment.
—Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Three people were taken to a hospital after a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles encountered turbulence shortly before landing in Sydney on Friday, health officials in Australia said.
—Jay Ganglani, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encountered
Verb
-
Molly was safely transported back to the mainland, where Johnston met her, and the two had an emotional reunion after an eight-day ordeal.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The two friends met years ago while working for different social justice organizations.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Its founding principles—informed by an environmentally-conscious ethos and values which ‘protect the islands, support local communities, and do business in a…fair and future-focused way,’ says Dixon—mirrored those at Nikoi, and still hold strong today.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
And the three who founded it in 1998 ran two unlicensed boarding schools in Missouri that have since been closed amid abuse allegations.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the third inning Rocker was faced with runners on the corners with Spencer Steer up to bat with two outs, and Rocker retired the left fielder in three pitches, ending with a ground out to third base to escape the inning with no damage.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Apr. 2026
-
First-year manager Kurt Suzuki said the pitchers the Angels have faced are part of the issue.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The victim’s father confronted Duggar about the incidents this year, investigators learned.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The conclusion among many was that Iran was now an enemy to be confronted and contained.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Heavily hit, the Dannebroge caught fire and then exploded.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Diners are greeted by marigold garlands, murals reminiscent of South Asian truck art, and a playlist that’s a rotation of '80s Bollywood hits.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Upon his arrival, Valle entered the interior of Fort Point and was greeted by members of the National Park Service.—
Molly McCrea,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encountered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encountered. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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