befalling

verb

present participle of befall
as in happening
to take place whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of befalling Bad luck befalling one rival is probable in this league. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 Our leaders owe it to all of us to do their utmost to prevent this fate from befalling anyone else. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 The problem befalling many a meatball sub is the roll. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 Achilles ruptures also decimated the 2025 NBA playoffs, befalling stars such as Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and then-Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard, who now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. — Matt Villano, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025 But researchers can advance the potential for new and beneficial drugs while legislators help prevent such tragedies from befalling other families. — David Kroll, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befalling
  1. happening
  2. occurring
Verb
  • Similar intra-party, generational battles are happening across the country and in Sacramento.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • And does repeatedly highlighting negativity overshadow the positive things happening with attendance and television audiences?
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of happening
Verb
  • The local whale deaths, occurring in quick succession over a span of less than two months, were cause for alarm among some animal activists.
    — Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the Vintage Bazaar is in locations throughout New England, with the October market occurring in Haverhill, MA.
    — Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of occurring

Browse Nearby Words

befallen
befalling
befalls
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Cite this Entry

“Befalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalling. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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