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.

"That drive back to the hospital was horrendous," said Lloyd, recalling the "immeasurable stress" as they wondered what would happen to their brave boy.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Upsets in the World Cup do happen every year in individual matches, but surprise tournament winners are far more rare.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

“The amount of product advances that are going to happen in the prediction-markets space—there’s a huge opportunity to close that product gap.”

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

The Saudis have a record of startling upsets in international play; we might see that happen, or we might see Spanish wonder-teen Lamine Yamal score five goals.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

Kiki pushed a stroller back and forth, back and forth, like if she stopped moving, something terrible would happen.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words