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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.

But now, someone at the top of one of the world’s biggest AI labs is warning about what could happen if the technology starts to “go off the rails.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

That all needs to happen within the next two years.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

What will happen in Iran and the Middle East in the weeks and months to come?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It’s not clear what would happen if only one or two unions were to settle.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Say what I caused to happen on that awful night.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse