Come upon Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Finding Used when discovering something by chance rather than by searching. I came upon some old letters in the attic. Pro Tip 2/3Positive Surprise Often implies a pleasant or fortunate discovery. They came upon an old village that was perfect for their film. Pro Tip 3/3Instantaneous Encounter Implies a sudden or unexpected encounter with something or someone. Jogging in the park, I came upon a famous actor.