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.

"It's rare but it does happen," Vietnam analyst Nguyen Khac Giang said of the decision by city authorities to reverse course.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

PlayStation did not say whether there would be any price increases for the other subscription tiers or what might happen to the 12-month subscription.

From BBC • 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

The researchers suggest something similarly strange could happen with time.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

I keep imagining what might happen if I find him.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words