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.

R: I never, ever imagined that this could happen.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

While Catherine had been assured she would have the opportunity to contribute to the review, this did not happen.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

“What’s really going to happen is that it’s going to elevate all of these people,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

That may still happen in the longer run, but it sure isn’t happening now.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

‘Don’t look so worried; it might never happen.’

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler