befell

past tense of befall

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 befell The song, written with Dan Wilson, isn’t just a story of the turmoil that befell the band post-2003. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 By not putting out a press release or social media post announcing their Kalshi partnerships, both MLB clubs avoided the kind of embarrassing backlash that befell the New York Mets a few weeks ago. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Perhaps, then, the back spasms that befell him on May 23 were a blessing. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 May 2026 Michael’s deal with Pepsi is part of that, and the film’s portrayal of the horrifying accident that befell him during the filming of a Pepsi commercial — a spark set his hair, and scalp, on fire — makes the trauma feel like an outgrowth of Joe’s karma. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 The same fate, Al-Nabi added, befell the Gezira Museum in Wad Madani following the RSF’s invasion of Gezira state. — Eissa Dafallah, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026 Those two gave the Longhorns life when misfortune befell them early. — Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 28 Feb. 2026 The effort was in large part a response to the catastrophe that befell Flint, Michigan, a decade ago when dangerous levels of lead leached into the city’s water supply from old lead pipes, exposing people across the city to the toxic metal. — Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026 Her father’s memories Bass avoided the pitfalls that befell her father. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befell
Verb
  • The fatal shooting happened at a home in Douglas, roughly an hour north of Valdosta.
    — Asia Simone Burns, AJC.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • But what happened after the final whistle turned a great night into one Ty’Resi will cherish.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The charges from April are said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005 and involve four women.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Sunday's attack occurred as the Saudis hosted a major international energy conference in Riyadh, with other high-profile events including an investment gathering on the horizon.
    — SAMY MAGDY, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Befell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befell. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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