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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.

"I didn't know what was going to happen," he told AFP in an interview in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, where he was repatriated in late March.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Dimon has said he looks at a range of possible outcomes, and he isn’t predicting that they will happen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

If all working Americans are going to earn at least enough to cover their cost of living, policymakers will need to make it happen.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Raman said that as mayor, she would ensure that such projects are finished on time — and replace airport leadership if it fails to happen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

I didn’t want any of this to happen.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.