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Showing results for happen.
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.

It’s highly doubtful this will happen, he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

At a house where a construction worker dumped lumber onto the sidewalk, Phillips strode up and asked what the thought would happen to the scrap pile.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

More than that, I worried what would happen when it came out.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Now, scientists are learning more about why these episodes happen, how to differentiate more-common causes from more-serious issues, and which treatments can prevent or reduce recurrence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

And there was only one way to ensure that it would never happen again.

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