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

Maury became a travel specialist by happenstance while living overseas (she’s called Hong Kong, South Africa, France, Australia, and Vietnam home at different points in her life). —The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026

What followed, however, has been anything but happenstance. —Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026

Bruno Mars has history in Las Vegas That Mars kicked off the nearly 80-date worldwide outing – his first stadium tour and his return to the road after almost a decade – in Las Vegas is more than happenstance. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026

The fact that the trades came so close to Trump’s announcement may have been mere happenstance, Khouw pointed out. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

happen + circumstance

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for happenstance

• circumstance
• exceedance
• refinance
• advance
• askance
• enhance
• expanse
• finance
• freelance
• mischance
• perchance
• romance