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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Recent Examples of befalling
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
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
Verb
-
Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Through his work, students and learners can see timing, magnetic interaction, and feedback control happening in real time.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalling. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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