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.

SpaceX, which has a valuation north of $1 trillion, is expected to raise some $80 billion from its blockbuster IPO, which could happen as soon as next month.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

But what we know will happen, even if the box office ends up being less, we believe in these films as long-term players.

From Los Angeles Times • 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

We don’t know what’s going to actually happen, how much they’re actually going to implement.

From Slate • May 21, 2026

There was no telling what might happen if he took the Nanuak into the cave.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words