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.

A story whose very premise ensures that little can happen poses a narrative challenge.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Whether the proximity between Trump and his new Fed chair translates into policy is the question investors are desperately seeking to answer, though they don’t think that will happen soon.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

But what we know will happen, even if the box office ends up being less, we believe in these films as long-term players.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Parker's lawyer argued that she could not have known what would happen, and that Zwerner has exaggerated the extent of her injuries.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

I felt white-hot anger bubble up inside me at the future version of myself who had let this happen.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words