as in happens
to take place
whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on
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Recent Examples of befalls
Elsewhere, an unspeakable tragedy that befalls a fellow factory worker further establishes the plight of young girls across China’s recent history.
—
Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 May 2026
When a mysterious illness befalls the king, Prince Tristan is lured into a dangerous quest, while his younger brother William — neurodivergent and non-verbal — uncovers the plot at home.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 May 2026
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
The family soon joins a group of ravers in a journey across the Sahara Desert, where surreal tragedy after surreal tragedy befalls them.
—Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Tragedy befalls fishing town Paul Lundberg, Gloucester’s mayor, said the names of those on the Lily Jean would be added to a city memorial honoring thousands of fishermen who have been lost at sea over the years.
—Michael Casey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2026
The same fate befalls the HAKOS Astro Guest Farm, a remote mountainous escape for amateur astronomers.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
There’s nothing like a catharsis cry, and that’s exactly what Task serves up in its final montage of what befalls both Tom Brandis and Maeve Prendergast once the Dark Hearts case is wrapped up for good (for now).
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 May 2026
When a mysterious illness befalls the king, Prince Tristan is lured into a dangerous quest, while his younger brother William — neurodivergent and non-verbal — uncovers the plot at home.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 May 2026
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
The family soon joins a group of ravers in a journey across the Sahara Desert, where surreal tragedy after surreal tragedy befalls them.
—Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Tragedy befalls fishing town Paul Lundberg, Gloucester’s mayor, said the names of those on the Lily Jean would be added to a city memorial honoring thousands of fishermen who have been lost at sea over the years.
—Michael Casey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2026
The same fate befalls the HAKOS Astro Guest Farm, a remote mountainous escape for amateur astronomers.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
There’s nothing like a catharsis cry, and that’s exactly what Task serves up in its final montage of what befalls both Tom Brandis and Maeve Prendergast once the Dark Hearts case is wrapped up for good (for now).
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befalls
Verb
-
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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Such storms in turn can create auroras, vibrant displays of light that can appear in a variety of colors depending on the gases struck by the solar particles and how high up in the atmosphere the collision occurs.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
8 June 2026
-
Breakage occurs when damage to the hair shaft weakens it, causing strands to snap off.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalls. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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