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.

What will happen to Venezuela is anyone’s guess.

From Salon

"It hasn't happened yet, but I fear it could happen again."

From BBC

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but it's not a good future for us Iranians."

From Barron's

“Everyone is talking about how the World Cup is an important moment. But the real question is what happens after,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

"A lake's sediment is like a journal where what happens in and around the lake gets recorded," says Associate Professor Tibby.

From Science Daily