Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for happen. Search instead for abkappen.
Definitions

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.

The president wants to do everything he can to ensure it doesn’t happen again, the people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Why did all of this happen in the early postwar years?

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

If it can happen to a stadium-filler like Álvarez, it can happen to anyone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

They had no idea what might happen to their husband and father, and when this was all going to end.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

What had happened to Ekaluk I did not want to happen to me.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell