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.

That’s gonna happen in billions of years, if at all.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Candidates are told this will happen and can provide do-not-call lists to ensure privacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

What would you like to see happen moving forward?

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

England head coach Thomas Tuchel said the delay to their World Cup warm-up game with Costa Rica gave them a "little taste of what can happen" - but will that prove to be an understatement?

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Kiki pushed a stroller back and forth, back and forth, like if she stopped moving, something terrible would happen.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words