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
Perhaps even two or three odd happenstances.
—
Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 June 2026
During the interview with BBC Radio 2, Jagger explained that the collaboration with Smith came about by happenstance at an industry event.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 1 June 2026
For Black millennials, dressing up to go out wasn't just happenstance.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
In a candid conversation with PEOPLE for the release of his sixth studio album, Ain't Dead Yet, Walker unpacks how the project, by happenstance, ended up charting a roadmap through his individual life struggles, stage 3B colon cancer diagnosis and eventual healing, inside and out.
—Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 2 June 2026
During the interview with BBC Radio 2, Jagger explained that the collaboration with Smith came about by happenstance at an industry event.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 1 June 2026
For Black millennials, dressing up to go out wasn't just happenstance.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
In a candid conversation with PEOPLE for the release of his sixth studio album, Ain't Dead Yet, Walker unpacks how the project, by happenstance, ended up charting a roadmap through his individual life struggles, stage 3B colon cancer diagnosis and eventual healing, inside and out.
—Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 29 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
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