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.

"It's sort of a mystery in terms of fundamental physics. How in the world can these things happen?"

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

I’m worried what would happen if there were market changes, dividend cuts or unexpected expenses.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

For that to happen, Kuntz said, 1400-seat theater will need to screen a regular supply of films to a diverse customer base, including nearby students that have long been among its most frequent customers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

She described meeting the monarch and receiving the honour as "lovely", adding she "never ever dreamt that this would happen".

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Then Grandma knocked on my door and suggested I log out or something tragic might happen to the router.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words