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.

“If that doesn’t happen, traders will conclude the Fed is falling behind, and a further rise in U.S. inflation risk premiums and a new steepening of the yield curve may ensue,” they wrote.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Now the war in Iran has pushed energy bills up again, and companies worry about what else might happen in the future.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The researchers suggest something similarly strange could happen with time.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

We plan to sell it to another family member for the appraised value, but that may happen after the six-month time frame.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

She was positive that her golden boy could return from the grave and believed in the power of the Fox sisters’ mediumship to make that happen.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words