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.

Romanian officials previously refused to discuss what would happen to that money now a large chunk of the treasure had been recovered.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

But I was just so excited to be at the Derby and I wanted to just really be present, that it really didn’t cross my mind what would happen if we won the race.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

In making “Never Be the Same,” Thompson wanted to allow room for the “devastating moment,” a point in a song where something unexpected can happen, “that one lick where you just melt.”

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

They said that given the timing of O’Neill’s arrival, any major product relaunch might not happen until early 2028.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

What would happen if she never made it to the Afterlife?

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words