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
By pure happenstance, Evelyn found a Spanish historian, Josep Calvet, whose research specializes in refugees’ escape from Nazism through Spain and the Pyrenees during the Second World War.
—
Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 May 2024
Neither Luke nor Paul rose to power by happenstance: Their paths, in fact, were laid out for them long before either were born.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024
But in the realm of the happenstance gesture—the absent-minded tug of a shirt collar, maybe, or a glance so fleeting the camera could almost miss it—Gosling may be Brando’s truest heir.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 1 May 2024
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
Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 May 2024
Neither Luke nor Paul rose to power by happenstance: Their paths, in fact, were laid out for them long before either were born.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024
But in the realm of the happenstance gesture—the absent-minded tug of a shirt collar, maybe, or a glance so fleeting the camera could almost miss it—Gosling may be Brando’s truest heir.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 1 May 2024
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
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 17 May. 2024.
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