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.

The US and Iran have sent divergent messages, with Tehran insisting on steep conditions for progress, even as President Donald Trump again voiced optimism, telling reporters a deal "could happen... over the weekend".

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

I’ll get to how a costly outcome could happen — but first, some basics on overtime.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

Soccer, Luna believes, represents an affront to the individualistic mindset that plagues today’s world because, by nature, it must happen in community.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Even Hernandez’s supporters were fretting about what might happen on election night.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

I’d begun to imagine what would happen after the show.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words