Another Word for Come: 16 Synonyms with Examples
To come is to move towards the speaker, to arrive, or to happen. Alternatives can be more formal or more exact about the movement.
As a verb: move towards or arrive
- arrive
- approach
- reach
- turn up
- appear
- get here
As a verb: happen
- happen
- occur
- take place
- arise
- follow
As a verb: originate
- originate
- derive
- stem
- come from
- hail from
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- arrive
- Reaches a place at the end of a journey.
- approach
- Comes nearer, not yet arriving.
- turn up
- Informal; arrives, often unexpectedly.
- occur
- Formal; happens.
- originate
- Begins or comes from a particular place.
- stem
- Is caused by or develops from something.
Example sentences
- arrive: The guests arrived just after seven.
- approach: As we approached the town, the traffic slowed.
- turn up: Nobody expected him to turn up so early.
- occur: The accident occurred near the junction.
- originate: The dish originated in the south of Italy.
- stem: Most complaints stem from late deliveries.
Opposite of come
- go
- leave
- depart
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “come”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: get
noun: semen, seed, ejaculate
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “come”?
The most useful alternatives are “arrive”, “approach”, “reach”, “turn up”, “appear”. For the main sense (move towards or arrive), “arrive” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “arrive” and “approach”?
arrive: Reaches a place at the end of a journey. approach: Comes nearer, not yet arriving.
What is the opposite of “come”?
Common antonyms are “go”, “leave”, “depart”.