befall

[bih-fawl] / bɪˈfɔl /

VERB

happen to; take place

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ensue materialize transpire

STRONG

action bechance betide break chance cook develop fall follow gel go hap happen jell occur shake smoke supervene

WEAK

come down come off come to pass cook up a storm cook with gas fall out go down

Antonyms

STRONG

stay stop

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.

But woe befall any bad guys who mistake him for a fool.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

It is also another sign of what is surely England and Tuchel's biggest fear – how can they cope should misfortune befall all-time record goalscorer Kane?

From BBC • May 22, 2026

European elections keep rolling around whether anyone wants them or not, and the next will befall the U.K. in early May.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

How has she dealt with the fallow periods that befall every actor?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

Then he would carry on excitedly about some opportunity certain to befall him, or he would be silent and moody.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Vocabulary lists containing befall

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

A Midsummer Night's Dream

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ACT Vocabulary List

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!