happenstance
noun
hap·pen·stance
ˈha-pən-ˌstan(t)s 
ˈha-pᵊm-
: a circumstance especially that is due to chance
They came together by mere happenstance.
happenstance
adjective
Examples of happenstance in a Sentence
Our meeting was pure happenstance.
We met each other by happenstance.
It was an agreeable happenstance that we met.
Recent Examples on the Web
Surely Ditto would have to chalk this garish yet strangely cohesive vision up to more than just happenstance?
—
Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024
This is, by no happenstance, also the basic question about computing in our society writ large.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
Maury became a travel specialist by happenstance while living overseas; friends persistently asked her advice due to her insiderish knowledge and fine taste.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024
Some of them arise by in a sense happenstance, while others are baked into the pudding.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
By happenstance, Coca-Cola issued its own report that year.
—Qadri Inzamam Saumya Khandelwal, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024
This is not a happenstance of war but a concerted effort by Russia to eliminate Ukraine’s cultural identity.
—Howard N. Spiegler, Fortune Europe, 23 Feb. 2024
Finally, Venus encourages auspicious Jupiter, bringing good vibes, lucky happenstances, and fresh opportunities to expand our horizons.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2024
Note that this provides the same foundational precepts and does so without either by design or via happenstance landing into an anthropomorphizing zone.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024
This is, by no happenstance, also the basic question about computing in our society writ large.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
Maury became a travel specialist by happenstance while living overseas; friends persistently asked her advice due to her insiderish knowledge and fine taste.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024
Some of them arise by in a sense happenstance, while others are baked into the pudding.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
By happenstance, Coca-Cola issued its own report that year.
—Qadri Inzamam Saumya Khandelwal, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024
This is not a happenstance of war but a concerted effort by Russia to eliminate Ukraine’s cultural identity.
—Howard N. Spiegler, Fortune Europe, 23 Feb. 2024
Finally, Venus encourages auspicious Jupiter, bringing good vibes, lucky happenstances, and fresh opportunities to expand our horizons.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2024
Note that this provides the same foundational precepts and does so without either by design or via happenstance landing into an anthropomorphizing zone.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'happenstance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happenstance. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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