happens

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.

See Examples For:

happens

Like much of what happens in Washington, it won't be entirely smooth runnings on the streets.

From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026

“There are very serious decisions to make over what happens with homelessness. We needed someone who could focus on that and get it done and get it done quickly and show ability to build consensus.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

Traders’ reaction was that it’s better to take it seriously and see what happens next, says Baron Lamarre, co-founder of Index Litro and former head of trading at Petronas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

If this happens, it would mark a substantial pivot from how American forces have operated in the region post-9/11.

From Salon ● Aug. 21, 2026

Nim, it’s been so much fun writing to you—no matter what happens, I’m glad I tried to come and meet you.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr