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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.

Then, they get into Bill Ackman once again trying and failing to make a closed-end fund happen, and why he’ll never be Warren Buffet.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

Winter rainfall helped replenish water supplies after 2025's dry summer but water stocks can fluctuate quickly with some river levels already starting to fall, raising concerns about what might happen in the months ahead.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Exactly what will happen is tough to know.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

A spinout could happen before, during or after the completion of the TAE deal—or not at all.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“Allowing something like that to happen under my supervision. Not properly disciplining Louisa for her indiscretion. And Louisa couldn’t come forward because she—because.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse