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, Christy had shared a cell with Kurt Lidtke, a disgraced art dealer whom the FBI said was imprisoned for selling his clients’ works without paying them proceeds.
—
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
Both researchers emphasize that scientists don’t know nearly enough about K2-18 b to determine whether any dimethyl sulfide found in its atmosphere was produced by living organisms—or by abiotic happenstance of the kind that led to their own observations.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
On this topic, other uses dug up some of these pictures that were less than well-reviewed:
The rationale here, on some level at least, appears to be trying to discount him winning Best Actor as more of a piece of happenstance, rather than consistent talent.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Their friendship also started out of happenstance.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
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Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
Both researchers emphasize that scientists don’t know nearly enough about K2-18 b to determine whether any dimethyl sulfide found in its atmosphere was produced by living organisms—or by abiotic happenstance of the kind that led to their own observations.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
On this topic, other uses dug up some of these pictures that were less than well-reviewed:
The rationale here, on some level at least, appears to be trying to discount him winning Best Actor as more of a piece of happenstance, rather than consistent talent.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Their friendship also started out of happenstance.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 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 6 May. 2025.
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