happen

[hap-uhn] / ˈhæp ən /

VERB

come to pass; occur

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appear arise arrive crop up develop fall go on hit materialize meet pass result take effect take place transpire

STRONG

befall betide bump chance down ensue eventuate follow issue light proceed recur shake smoke spring stumble supervene

WEAK

be found become a fact become known become of come about come after come into being come into existence come off luck present itself stumble upon turn out turn up what goes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease disappear fail halt lose stop

STRONG

precede

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rannells: You’d like to think that you’re more in control of those decisions, but sometimes things just happen.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

It’s just that second step that Congress is saying shouldn’t happen.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

"We're only 24 - nobody expects this to happen... Being twins as well, you're not supposed to have one twin not be there," said Caitlin's sister Grace.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

No one really knows what’s going to happen.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

“And more. You’ve had a narrow escape. You’re one lucky boy. What if the fire had spread into that sugarbush grove? Do you happen to recall whose particular grove that is?”

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words