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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.

You can’t know everything that will happen, but thinking through as much as you can will forestall a lot of bad outcomes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

“We’re not smart enough to know if that’s going to happen or if it’s not going to happen,” said Matthew McLennan, a portfolio manager at First Eagle Investments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

It is due to pass before the end of the current parliamentary session, which must happen before the State Opening of Parliament on 13 May.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

The stock market is supposed to be an efficient integrator of all available information, but in the short run, anything can happen.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

It was stupid, but I remember wondering right then if there might be something in this election, some way that things could happen, that would give me a way to do something she might notice.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott