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.

Prof Lampert says Eriksen's doctors will need to work out why his heart rhythm changed during the match, and if there is anything they can do to make it less likely to happen again.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

They happen to be a significant force among TotalEnergies’ shareholders: Its French employees own 5.5% of the stock, making them the second-largest investor after BlackRock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

The breakouts happen more frequently here, and they become more debilitating.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

“I remember thinking, ‘This can never happen again.’”

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

It was one thing to believe that such things were possible thousands of years ago, another to have it happen now, to us, this very day.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words