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
Its beginning, however, was somewhat happenstance.
—
Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
The 30-year-olds met by happenstance when Michel was moved to Basobas’ floor at LPL Financial.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
Others learned only by happenstance.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026
Savannah Guthrie’s ties to Tucson Savannah Guthrie was born in Australia, a happenstance because her father was working for a mining company there.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
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Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
The 30-year-olds met by happenstance when Michel was moved to Basobas’ floor at LPL Financial.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2026
Others learned only by happenstance.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026
Savannah Guthrie’s ties to Tucson Savannah Guthrie was born in Australia, a happenstance because her father was working for a mining company there.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happenstance. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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