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.

But for Esslemont this cannot happen quickly enough.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

“This has got to stop, we can’t have a society that allows this to happen, we have got to make a stand, so please, no more,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

This can only happen, the Fringe leaders said, if Angelenos donate generously to arts funding — and reap the benefits by supporting subjects they’re interested in.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Exactly what will happen when SpaceX stock starts trading is anyone’s guess.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

I don’t need a Flash to know what will happen with you two.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words