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

The idea to incorporate elements of mariachi music into a cover of a Smiths tune happened by happenstance in December 2024. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

First, there’s Bertha Manchester (Linda Reiter), who, in a morbid bit of happenstance, was actually killed in a brutal axe murder just days before Lizzie’s trial. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

Students said the cohort of South Asian students at the football game happened partially by happenstance. — Texas Tribune, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Many more lives could have been lost but for the happenstance that the plane struck a section under renovation. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

happen + circumstance

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for happenstance

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