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.

We plan to sell it to another family member for the appraised value, but that may happen after the six-month time frame.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

The researchers suggest something similarly strange could happen with time.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

I’m a little concerned myself, like: How did this happen?

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

They know it won't happen, but it won't stop Manchester United's fans belting out their ode to the Brazilian when he makes his final Old Trafford appearance for the club against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

I didn’t want any of this to happen.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words