come about

verb

Definition of come aboutnext
as in to happen
to take place how did all this come about?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 come about Indeed, flow state research shows that our optimal performance only comes about under challenging conditions. — Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The three incidents came about in part because the models’ testing environments were supposed to be isolated from an internet connection, and were not. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 31 July 2026 Citing Zendaya’s dress, designed by Matières Fécales, the look came about in similar ways to his past work with Zendaya, with little outside inspiration needed. — James Manso, Allure, 30 July 2026 The re-launch comes about nine months after a large Friend protest took place in NYC, where protestors tried to bring attention to our growing dependance on technology. — David Imel, The Verge, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for come about
Recent Examples of Synonyms for come about
  1. happen
  2. be
  3. come down
  4. come
  5. occur
Verb
  • And this is one of those things that flags my lack of comprehension of most things happening in my midst.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no need to theorize about what happened here because the obvious answer is Bret Easton Ellis signed off on the first two episodes and then abandoned the adaptation.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of happen
Verb
  • The benefit of different formats The average club pre-season lasts six weeks, so there is a lot to cram in — and a regular 90-minute friendly does not always allow all your players the necessary game time.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • New York City — There is an ever-growing love story between the game of golf and basketball.
    — Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of be
Verb
  • In a sleepy bay in Anguilla, the ship’s marina comes down, affording an opportunity to play with the water toys and swim to an inflatable trampoline.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • That decision could come down at any time, as soon as this week.
    — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of come down
Verb
  • Some come for the high-octane DJs at Shellona or the all-day revelry of Nikki Beach; others swear by the legendary glamour of Le Club 55 or the festive energy of Casa Amor.
    — Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Over the coming months, avionics, scientific instruments and thermal insulation will gradually transform the frame into the flying science laboratory destined for the outer solar system.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of come
Verb
  • Essentially, what Verstappen wanted for F1 engine tech will now occur.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Several of the jurors were either toddlers when the killing occurred, or hadn't yet been born.
    — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of occur

Browse Nearby Words

come
come about
come a cropper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Come about.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/come%20about. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of balmy

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All