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
  • When those things do start happening, the scares are every bit as effective as the buildup promises.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Yeah, just continue and figure out elegant ways to catch up with everyone, like catch up with what’s been happening in the last year.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of happening
Verb
  • Videos posted to Instagram show the tornadic waterspouts, a rare weather phenomenon considered a tornado but occurring over water, which extended from the Queens shoreline as thunder boomed overhead.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Is marketing attracting the right patients, or is the breakdown occurring later in the patient journey?
    — Ashraf Altawashi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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