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.

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

And trying to figure out if she has some agency in that, or does she just have to let it happen to her.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

"When I go in each day I think, oh my goodness what's going to happen now?" she said.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The trees were utterly still waiting to see what would happen.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words