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 happenstance, the high risk report was released just as a scandal was erupting in Minnesota over widespread fraud in a program meant to keep children fed during the pandemic.
—
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
By happenstance, the high risk report was released just as a scandal was erupting in Minnesota over widespread fraud in a program meant to keep children fed during the pandemic.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
By pure happenstance, McDermott bumped into Kelly on Friday night at Anthony-Brown Pharmacy in Orchard Park.
—Tim Graham, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
The project came together by sheer happenstance when Halon Entertainment visual effects designer Jess Marley traveled to Santa Cruz to see his family.
—Molly McCrea, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
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Dan Walters, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
By happenstance, the high risk report was released just as a scandal was erupting in Minnesota over widespread fraud in a program meant to keep children fed during the pandemic.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
By pure happenstance, McDermott bumped into Kelly on Friday night at Anthony-Brown Pharmacy in Orchard Park.
—Tim Graham, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
The project came together by sheer happenstance when Halon Entertainment visual effects designer Jess Marley traveled to Santa Cruz to see his family.
—Molly McCrea, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happenstance. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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