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.

The podcast, the conversation behind what really happened there is going to be fascinating because, to your point, it just seems like the momentum was building for it and it didn’t happen.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

He doesn’t think that will happen, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Kaye said: "It was honestly unbelievable... I didn't know that was going to happen until on the day, we sort of figured it out the evening before."

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

As to what will happen next, in the words of Nate Bargatze’s George Washington, “Nobody knows.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Every time I thought I’d put my annoyance with that girl behind me, something like this would happen and it would all come rushing back.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words