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 got a little bit panicked because I didn’t know what will happen after my exit from football.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

They say better surveillance, faster diagnostic tools, and more advanced water treatment technologies are needed to reduce the risk before infections happen.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

We can’t think the worst is behind us and we can’t be inured to what happened and will happen again.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

You are 65, and if you don’t live the life you want for yourself right now, when is that going to happen?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

“And more. You’ve had a narrow escape. You’re one lucky boy. What if the fire had spread into that sugarbush grove? Do you happen to recall whose particular grove that is?”

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words