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 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

I asked a minister what would happen if the so-called King of the North didn't win - their answer was best described as a painful sigh.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

None of this will happen quickly, and given the budget crunch, you might be wondering how any of this would be paid for.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

At one point in the Temple of Heaven standoff, an official could be heard talking about what would happen on that trip.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Nevertheless, this tiny tree fire was probably the most exciting thing to happen all year.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words