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.

A Trump administration official said the meeting was to happen in the Commerce Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

The earliest sunrises happen before the summer solstice and the latest sunsets happen after.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

But the selloff might indicate an expectation that it will happen faster that it realistically can.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

That leaves the market without much of a buffer against another outbreak of volatility should Warsh happen to say something unexpected on Wednesday, according to Brent Kochuba, founder of SpotGamma.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026

‘Don’t look so worried; it might never happen.’

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words