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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.

Because the way all the pieces fit together is so crucial, “Nothing’s About to Happen to Me” doesn’t reveal itself without close attention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

Make it Happen was suggested by Dundee Rep's chairman Dr Susan Hetrick, who'd worked at RBS just before the financial crisis and is now an expert in toxic culture in the workplace.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

“I had done ‘Raising Arizona’ and ‘Honeymoon in Vegas’ and ‘It Could Happen to You’ and ‘Moonstruck.’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2022

I tell you this to illustrate the fact that These Things Happen Sometimes.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2022

Accidents Happen is on the front, along with a picture of a puppy that has a bag of ice on its head and a thermometer in its mouth.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina