happenstance
noun
ˈha-pᵊm-\
Definition of happenstance
: a circumstance especially that is due to chance They came together by mere happenstance.
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of happenstance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The message O’Connor sent with the benchings on Saturday night was, in essence, telling the players to stop deluding themselves into thinking the nine-match losing streak was some fluky happenstance of bad breaks, bad officiating and bad coaching. — Mike Bianchi, Pro Soccer USA, "James O’Connor is finally forcing Orlando City’s players to look in the mirror," 14 July 2018 That reduces the likelihood that this was just happenstance. — Aaron Blake, Washington Post, "The stench of Michael Cohen’s consulting business grows," 26 May 2018 The sort of belt that would give a girl a fit of delight in a vintage store or be found by happenstance in a relative's closet. — Laura Brown, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Look: Totally Waisted," 25 Aug. 2015 By happenstance, the ruling came down as the Legislature considers still another foray into controlling what Californians may legally say. — Dan Walters, SFChronicle.com, "Supreme Court voids California law, upholds free speech," 27 June 2018 That team had squared off with the Warriors almost by happenstance, thanks to an unbelievable comeback against the Clippers, and had been routed in short order. — Ben Golliver, SI.com, "From Sixth Man to MVP: James Harden Reflects on Steady Climb to NBA Mountain Top," 26 June 2018 Related The episode underscores that Supreme Court cases don’t always arise by happenstance. — Jess Bravin, WSJ, "Retailers’ Careful Strategy to Overturn Sales-Tax Precedent," 22 June 2018 Greg McCown, a 42-year-old real estate salesperson, has been trying for seven whole years to photograph an incredibly illusive happenstance—lightning and rainbow in the same picture. — Sasha Henriques, Woman's Day, "This Stunning Photo Caught TWO Incredible Moments in Nature at the Same Time," 12 Aug. 2015 Lagana said during the panel, responding to a question about whether some of the clever, complex in-jokes occurred by happenstance. — Nathan Mattise, Ars Technica, "How American Vandal expertly crafted a doc (that just happened to be fiction)," 23 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'happenstance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for happenstance
happenstance
noun
English Language Learners Definition of happenstance
: something that happens by chance
See the full definition for happenstance in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on happenstance
What made you want to look up happenstance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
-
- Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
A mythological/etymological mashup!
Take the quiz -
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
Words to improve your Scrabble game
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share happenstance
Resources for happenstance