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.

But in a region dotted with chemical facilities, refineries and other heavy industries, accidents do happen.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Before that, there were no rules about when companies must respond and what would happen if they didn't.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Sometimes facts start to get in the way of a good story, and that is beginning to happen.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The launch, which could happen as soon as Friday, comes ahead of “an IPO that’s basing so much” on narrative and symbolism.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Leah responded, “In the name of common sense, how did they happen to be there, nearly six feet beneath the cellar bottom?”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words