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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.

Abby believed his deputies were pushing a defeated Ned to concede it would never happen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

He added that the Polish foreign ministry agreed the concert should not happen.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The strait is only officially open until the cease-fire ends, which is expected to happen April 22—though it could be extended.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

And after this week, there is a growing possibility it could happen in full daylight with a roll call vote in the Senate.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

I had no more than gotten the words out of my mouth when something did happen.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls