as in happening
to take place
whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on
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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
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Welcome back to the Times of Troy newsletter, where there is no shortage of big things happening at USC.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Place, a foreman and driver for Camelback Moving, asked the guard what was happening.—
Sydney Page The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There’s also some of the content that’s emerged that really [highlights] activism at its highest level to show the exploitation and corruption that’s occurring on our planet.—
Gqlshare,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
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Broward situation reflects national trend Disputes between hospitals and insurers over reimbursement rates and claim payments, like those in Broward County, are occurring nationwide.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalling. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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