happenstance

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 country’s very first poly-friendly city ordinance came about almost by happenstance.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

What cemented his place there was half happenstance: his no-nonsense, on-the-scene reportage of the 1996 bombing at the Atlanta Olympics, which occurred while he was filling in at “SportsCenter.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

The initial Metro Bashers came to their hobby independently, meeting through happenstance and their shared love of the rail network.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2025

Other scientists must then replicate those results, proving that the first results weren’t happenstance.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2024

Was it no more than happenstance that she had ended up at Ashton Place, governess to the Incorrigibles?

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood