as in happened
to take place
whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Sadiki, the Sunderland midfielder, befell that fate here.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 31 Mar. 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
In any case, Carlson did not have the luxury of perseverating on what befell him.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Tragedy befell Turner’s family in 2018, when his mother succumbed to cancer.
—Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Sadiki, the Sunderland midfielder, befell that fate here.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 31 Mar. 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
In any case, Carlson did not have the luxury of perseverating on what befell him.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Tragedy befell Turner’s family in 2018, when his mother succumbed to cancer.
—Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befell
Verb
-
Except that is not what happened.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
Police said the fatal confrontation happened next to a weed truck parked across from a gas station.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
All of the passengers survived the crash, which occurred roughly 80 miles from the Florida coast Tuesday, according to officials.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
-
The play occurred early in the game as the Fever held a two-point lead.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befell. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
