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.

“I got a little bit panicked because I didn’t know what will happen after my exit from football.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

They say better surveillance, faster diagnostic tools, and more advanced water treatment technologies are needed to reduce the risk before infections happen.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

We can’t think the worst is behind us and we can’t be inured to what happened and will happen again.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Why are you waiting around for your husband to make a decision that you know will never happen?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

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

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words