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.

“We used to travel a lot,” she said, “and it just doesn’t happen anymore.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

This can happen regardless of whether she knew the items were purchased with embezzled funds.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

There is no guarantee that the spinoff transaction will happen, the company announced.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

"This must not become a prolonged process focused only on discussions about who should represent, how many people, and what format. No. This must happen quickly," Sybiha warned.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Sela and I agreed, without speaking a word, that the friendship would never happen, simply because our moms wanted it.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words