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.

Note: Outliers, such as in the Apple Watch and Oura readings, can happen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

"I don't know what's going to happen with the weaponization fund," he said.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

"It made me think how lucky we are that it's not going to happen again," said Aleyah, also 10.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

We can’t think the worst is behind us and we can’t be inured to what happened and will happen again.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

I keep imagining what might happen if I find him.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler