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 fewer of Cooper’s tricks to escape — which serve as the film’s set pieces — came by way of convenient happenstance, Trap might work a bit better as a straight thriller about a predator becoming prey.
—
Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 3 Aug. 2024
Experts eventually lost track of the statue’s whereabouts—until a recent happenstance discovery.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2024
The country has been so powerful for so long that many of its capabilities seem to be fundamental constants of the universe rather than happenstance.
—Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
For Herman, this year has also been one of reflection on the band’s 35 years together, formed when Herman and multi-instrumentalist Drew Emmitt met by happenstance in a Colorado bar in the late 1980s.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for happenstance 
Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 3 Aug. 2024
Experts eventually lost track of the statue’s whereabouts—until a recent happenstance discovery.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2024
The country has been so powerful for so long that many of its capabilities seem to be fundamental constants of the universe rather than happenstance.
—Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
For Herman, this year has also been one of reflection on the band’s 35 years together, formed when Herman and multi-instrumentalist Drew Emmitt met by happenstance in a Colorado bar in the late 1980s.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for happenstance
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 10 Sep. 2024.
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