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Showing results for happen.
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.

"Years ago people might not have thought that would happen - it's unbelievable."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

What will happen to the program after the five-year pilot program is over is still up in the air.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Central-bank buying increased 3% despite some selling during the period, with the council flagging that potential shifts in reserves could still happen amid Middle East disruptions, liquidity needs and foreign-exchange currency management.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

If a Mormon were to click on an episode of “Mormon Stories,” the worst that could happen is exposure to arguments and evidence that question and challenge their beliefs.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

“Did you know that was going to happen? Did you know I was about to sear away all my taste buds? You should have warned me!”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows