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Showing results for happen.
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.

Meanwhile, stock futures are up on optimism that peace talks with Iran will actually happen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

But Fahmy didn’t just dream — she made it happen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Now that the vitally important strategic chokepoint has been blocked once, the key players in the region have witnessed its closure once and now know it can happen again.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Drivers slow down along the A82, take in the air off Loch Lomond, and toss their rubbish out of the window - Patrick Calhoun has watched it happen year after year.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Kiki pushed a stroller back and forth, back and forth, like if she stopped moving, something terrible would happen.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith