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Definitions

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 could need help, and that is exactly what Sasaki offers and exactly what should happen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

"My only wish is to have more security at the schools, so this does not happen again. This pain landed on us. I do not want it to fall on anyone else."

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“It had kind of become like: ‘Oh, it’ll happen, but it’s not going to happen while any of us are here,’” said Stella Holt, a fourth-year student specializing in multimedia journalism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

President Donald Trump said he thinks a deal with Iran will happen soon.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

The only thing you knew for sure was that something was going to happen, which made things exciting.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el