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.

He would skip meals, worried that something bad would happen if he took a break while at work.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Whether the proximity between Trump and his new Fed chair translates into policy is the question investors are desperately seeking to answer, though they don’t think that will happen soon.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

A flight to the red planet now isn’t expected to happen in 2026, and the rocket still has many hurdles ahead of it.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

A judge has ruled that a trial of facts against Lady Eleanor Donaldson will happen as part of the trial of her husband, the former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

I used to think the same thing might happen to mine, but no such luck.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words