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 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

So I think it is quite unlikely, just by consuming steak or consuming beef, that anything bad is going to happen to you.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

An Epping council spokesperson said they did not know "in advance that this was going to happen" despite "ongoing engagement" with the government.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Every World Cup, New York remembers that it is not just a city, but a collection of more than 150 countries that happen to share a subway map.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Say what I caused to happen on that awful night.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words