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.

I’m a little concerned myself, like: How did this happen?

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

I asked a minister what would happen if the so-called King of the North didn't win - their answer was best described as a painful sigh.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

The scientists then tested what would happen if they blocked the SF1 neurons from communicating with the rest of the brain.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

But I happen to have two young children, which means that my tolerance for getting a bit unwell is actually quite high.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

He clasped his paws, pleading, “So there’s a chance it might not happen? If the Universe changes its mind?”

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words