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.

While Catherine had been assured she would have the opportunity to contribute to the review, this did not happen.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

“Somebody should have done something about it. And it’s going to happen, and it’s going to happen fast. And you’re going to see oil prices plummet,” he added.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

It offers a cautionary tale for the rest of the Gulf of what can happen when uncertainty and instability become ingrained in countries whose selling points are wealth and peace.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

"It was a bad omen. I had a feeling that something was going to happen," he said, falling silent and staring ahead with eyes frozen.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

“I’m glad now that it didn’t happen, but I hate that I was taken in by such a cad.”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words