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.

They say better surveillance, faster diagnostic tools, and more advanced water treatment technologies are needed to reduce the risk before infections happen.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

“How does this happen, and how come we didn’t hear about it sooner?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

You are 65, and if you don’t live the life you want for yourself right now, when is that going to happen?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

We do not want this to happen to another family.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

As these things often seem to happen, the disaster snowballed.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words