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.

Yet, Dawn is convinced it will happen again.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

The question is how long the import cuts can last—and what would happen if China needs to start buying more again.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

It looked like it might not happen for either of the best players of a generation, possibly the best of all time.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

I tried not to think of what would happen to her.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words