# come up with sth

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/come-up-with-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to think of an idea, a plan, or an answer to a problem.

For teachers: to produce or suggest something, such as an idea or a solution, through mental effort.

## Examples

- She needs to come up with a better plan.
- The marketing team had to come up with a new slogan before the product launch next week.
- Despite the limited budget, the engineers managed to come up with a revolutionary cooling system that outperformed all previous models.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He came up a great idea." but "He came up with a great idea." — the preposition 'with' is essential to connect the verb to the idea being produced.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by an abstract noun like 'idea', 'plan', 'solution', or 'excuse'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'think of'; 'come up with' implies a process of creation or problem-solving rather than just a sudden memory.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.