happens

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.

See Examples For:

happens

Whatever happens, the lawsuit will still tell a powerful story.

From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026

While Wall Street is divided on when Musk will actually push to combine the crown jewels of his empire, Nelson thinks there’s a 90% chance it happens by the end of next year.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026

Mr. Silvertown adeptly describes what happens inside a leaf as it works its photosynthetic magic.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

What happens to a comedian’s work when he stops “chasing the dragon” of an immigrant struggle that caused him so much anger and pressure?

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

Jamming her shoulder against it, she gives it a shove, then a stronger one, but nothing happens.

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

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