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

If that has not been prioritized and completed, then the expectation that inclusion happens by happenstance is false. —Simone E. Morris, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, Nashville resident Brittani Logsdon said her Iceland trip was the result of a happenstance and spontaneity. —Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

The swim began July 26 at the spot in the water where the freighter’s journey ended, 17 miles northwest of the Whitefish Point lighthouse, which in fatal happenstance was inoperable the night of the ship’s sinking. —John Carlisle, Freep.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Some were fans of Spangler's work, some were simply fans of estate sales and some stumbled across the crowd by happenstance. —Kylie Volavongsa, jsonline.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

happen + circumstance

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for happenstance

• circumstance
• exceedance
• refinance
• advance
• askance
• enhance
• expanse
• finance
• freelance
• mischance
• perchance
• romance