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 was returning to Aberdeen when the accident happened.

From BBC

"Whatever happens, it is the police who respond."

From Barron's

She explains she was talking to her mother recently, wondering what she would have done if “Mad Men” hadn’t happened.

From Los Angeles Times

His parents, meanwhile, have accused the administration of spreading "sickening lies" about what happened.

From BBC

To stop this happening, the government brought in new rules to restrict electricity exports when domestic supply could be at risk.

From BBC