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Definitions

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.

“I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

“Polymarket cuts through media spin and so-called ‘expert’ opinion by letting people bet on what they actually believe will happen in the world,” he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

If public markets are more attractive for companies to list, more value creation can happen there — meaning more upside can be available to individual investors through low-cost products.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

"They're quite wordy so you could argue that a lot of subjective marking could happen," Polley said.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

“Just . . . ask him what was about to happen and why he’s blowing me off? Like, no big deal?”

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison