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.

"It's the worst possible time for this to happen," said father-of-two Jack Pattison, in Tonyrefail, one of those affected residents who struggled in the 30C heat.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

But none of these things can happen until there is a drawing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Never doubt what can happen when a teenager finds something they love and devotes time and energy to achieving their dreams.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

When earthquakes, floods, fires and other disasters happen, the IRS commonly suspends all sorts of deadlines for impacted taxpayers.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

Nevertheless, this tiny tree fire was probably the most exciting thing to happen all year.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words