as in to happen
to take place
whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on
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Recent Examples of befall
But perhaps the biggest tragedy that befalls many bands is growing apart.
—
Katie Gavin, Time, 8 May 2026
There’s a segment of the audience that practically swoons when good news befalls some of the cast at the end of the play.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Seger’s music also seems to have been less conducive to the sort of right-wing political co-optation that has persistently befallen Springsteen’s, Petty’s, and Mellencamp’s work.
—Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
That fate can befall even major acts, particularly those from Latin America.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for befall
Katie Gavin, Time, 8 May 2026
There’s a segment of the audience that practically swoons when good news befalls some of the cast at the end of the play.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Seger’s music also seems to have been less conducive to the sort of right-wing political co-optation that has persistently befallen Springsteen’s, Petty’s, and Mellencamp’s work.
—Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
That fate can befall even major acts, particularly those from Latin America.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for befall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befall
Verb
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Today, the property is a best-case example of the magic that happens when old meets new.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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And unlike in-person voting, where verification happens upfront, mail-in ballots must be inspected and have signatures verified.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
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But one of the most consequential occurred when Black Americans decided to vote with their feet.—
Theodore R. Johnson,
Washington Post,
3 June 2026
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However, acts of violence, property destruction, or threats to public safety – none of which occurred here – remain serious concerns and will be prosecuted when supported by admissible evidence.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befall. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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