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.

“It may happen faster than we can adjust to it,” he cautioned.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Why did all of this happen in the early postwar years?

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

If it can happen to a stadium-filler like Álvarez, it can happen to anyone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

They had no idea what might happen to their husband and father, and when this was all going to end.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

It’s what I was worried about, what I hoped wouldn’t happen, and I let it happen anyway.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam