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.

He doesn’t think that will happen, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

"I was just telling them that anything can happen in the industry. It's live theatre and you have to be ready for anything and everything."

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

This can only happen, the Fringe leaders said, if Angelenos donate generously to arts funding — and reap the benefits by supporting subjects they’re interested in.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

That isn’t supposed to happen to Nestlé: Unflashy yet reliable products such as Nescafé instant coffee and Fancy Feast cat food are expected to deliver steady gains and a solid dividend, rather than wild selloffs.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

“Allowing something like that to happen under my supervision. Not properly disciplining Louisa for her indiscretion. And Louisa couldn’t come forward because she—because.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words