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.

"It feels overwhelming and incredibly exciting - I feel as though I have waited all my life for something like this to happen to me," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

Also, what will happen with these accounts as children move in and out of the foster-care system, perhaps going back to live with their parents, moving to other foster homes or being adopted?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

“The amount of product advances that are going to happen in the prediction-markets space—there’s a huge opportunity to close that product gap.”

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

The Saudis have a record of startling upsets in international play; we might see that happen, or we might see Spanish wonder-teen Lamine Yamal score five goals.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

What had happened to Ekaluk I did not want to happen to me.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words