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

Friends and family said it was tragic happenstance that either ended up in their ill-fated seats.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

Marles had met Hegseth in August to lobby him on Aukus, but the latter's office issued - and later retracted - a statement saying there were no talks, only "a happenstance encounter".

From BBC • Oct. 20, 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