encounter
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for encounter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To meet or come across someone or something, especially unexpectedly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use encounter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French encontrer ("to confront"), from encontre ("against"), ultimately from Latin in- + contra ("against").
Full origin of encounter →Frequently asked questions
What does “encounter” mean?
The word “encounter” means to meet or come across someone or something, especially unexpectedly. In plain terms, to run into someone or something, or a meeting of that kind.
How do you pronounce “encounter”?
“Encounter” is pronounced ihn-KOWN-tuh (/ɪnˈkaʊntɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “encounter” in a sentence?
Here is “encounter” used in a sentence: “We encountered a herd of deer on the trail.”
What part of speech is “encounter”?
Depending on how it is used, “encounter” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “encounter” come from?
The word “encounter” comes from Latin. From Old French encontrer ("to confront"), from encontre ("against"), ultimately from Latin in- + contra ("against").
Is “encounter” a common word?
“Encounter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “encounter” have?
“Encounter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to meet or come across someone or something, especially unexpectedly.
What is the difference between 'encounter' and 'meet'?
'Meet' is a general word for coming together with someone, often planned. 'Encounter' suggests the meeting was unexpected, unplanned, or significant, as in 'we encountered an old friend at the airport.' Encounter also often implies tension or difficulty, which 'meet' does not.
What is the difference between an 'encounter' and a 'meeting'?
A 'meeting' is usually arranged in advance, such as a business meeting. An 'encounter' is more often unplanned, tense, or noteworthy, as in 'a chance encounter' or 'a close encounter.' The word encounter carries a sense of drama or surprise that meeting does not.
What words commonly follow 'encounter'?
As a verb, 'encounter' often pairs with difficulties, such as 'encounter problems,' 'encounter resistance,' or 'encounter obstacles.' It suggests coming up against something unexpectedly, so it frequently precedes words describing challenges.