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.

“Shrinking” music supervisor and star Christa Miller knew that Brandi Carlile’s moving “You Without Me” was a perfect fit for the series, but had to wait two years to make it happen.

From Los Angeles Times • 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

But for Esslemont this cannot happen quickly enough.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

"But the facts about what did and did not happen to them are not at issue in this trust litigation."

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

What would happen if she got mad and pushed me away?

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words