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.

Kurtz said the evacuations were a precautionary measure, “so if anything bad were to happen, we’re dealing with property damage and not life safety.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

SpaceX, which has a valuation north of $1 trillion, is expected to raise some $80 billion from its blockbuster IPO, which could happen as soon as next month.

From Barron's • 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

“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

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words