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.

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament that a possible mission to the Strait of Hormuz could only happen with prior approval from lawmakers.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

“We operate in businesses and support things that have to happen for the economy to continue to grow and boom,” Oliver added.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

“This does not happen prior to the new appointment landing in the seat … the true test is more likely to come after May if history is any guide,” the Barclays research concluded.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

You get where it is going, and why it needs to happen.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

I’d begun to imagine what would happen after the show.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words