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Showing results for happenstance.
Definitions

happenstance

[hap-uhn-stans] / ˈhæp ənˌstæns /
NOUN
chance
Synonyms


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.

Fun fact: That Post-it Notes were originally yellow was happenstance, too; that’s the color scrap paper the lab next door had available.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Many of Burns’ works do, purely by happenstance.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2025

Michelle is fluent in the perky command, the passive voice, the slippery non-apology, the kind of language that frames cruelty as blameless happenstance.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

Marles had met Hegseth in August to lobby him on Aukus, but the latter's office issued - and later retracted - a statement saying there were no talks, only "a happenstance encounter".

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

One day she came across a rabbit, purely by happenstance.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin




Vocabulary lists containing happenstance