run across
Meet by chance
To run across something or someone is to encounter them unexpectedly: I ran across an old photo while cleaning out the attic, We ran across each other at the airport.
The phrase suggests chance discovery rather than deliberate search—you stumble upon things while going about other business.
Find unexpectedly
- come uponEncounter unexpectedly
- bump intoMeet without planning
- chance uponFind unexpectedly
- happen uponEncounter unexpectedly
meet · find · spot · fall upon · light upon · hit upon · catch sight of · notice
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- startleFrighten suddenly
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
wonder · unexpected · caught off guard · taken aback · double-take · jolt · bewilderment · incredulity
Unplanned matching of events
- luckChance affecting outcomes
- fortuneWealth or destiny
- chanceLikelihood of occurrence
- happenstanceUnplanned circumstance
fluke · synchronicity · providence · fate · kismet · windfall · blessing · fortuitous
stumble upon
Find unexpectedly
- come uponEncounter unexpectedly
- bump intoMeet without planning
- chance uponFind unexpectedly
happen upon · meet · find · spot · fall upon · light upon · hit upon · catch sight of · notice · discover
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
disbelief · wonder · unexpected · caught off guard · taken aback · double-take · jolt · bewilderment · incredulity · eye-opener
coincidence
Unplanned matching of events
happenstance · fluke · synchronicity · providence · fate · kismet · windfall · blessing · fortuitous · lucky break