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’re gonna have the party that couldn’t happen across the way.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

They know it won't happen, but it won't stop Manchester United's fans belting out their ode to the Brazilian when he makes his final Old Trafford appearance for the club against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

The scientists then tested what would happen if they blocked the SF1 neurons from communicating with the rest of the brain.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

But I happen to have two young children, which means that my tolerance for getting a bit unwell is actually quite high.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

She was positive that her golden boy could return from the grave and believed in the power of the Fox sisters’ mediumship to make that happen.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words