hap 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈhap How to pronounce hap (audio)
Definition of hapnext
1
as in event
something that happens we must make the best of both the good and the bad haps of life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in luck
the uncertain course of events by hap and circumstance, he ended up as a cartoonist in New York

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hap

2 of 3

noun (2)

dialect
as in quilt
a decorative cloth used as a top covering for a bed the hap was a patchwork quilt that the old woman had made herself

Synonyms & Similar Words

hap

3 of 3

verb

as in to happen
to take place what wondrous events hath happed this Christmas Day?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 hap
Noun
One false move can lead to trouble, and it hap-pens sooner or later to just about everybody who handles these reptiles. — Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026 Looking for a slice of hap-Pi-ness? — Allison Kiehl, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2026 Check out his latest artwork, photos and adventures from the past, and current haps on his website Cory Richards Dot Com. — Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2025 The stars of 1989's hap-hap-happiest holiday comedy have kept busy since that dysfunctional dinner. — Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024 The company didn’t appear close to understanding the nature of the universe, but per haps that’s coming. — Zoë Schiffer, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hap
  1. event
  2. luck
  3. quilt
  4. happen
  5. thing
  6. chance
  7. counterpane
  8. be
Noun
  • And talk about schlock, surely there was something if not exactly schlocky then definitely sensationalist about Marcia’s way of eviscerating an artist or an event.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The event cast Democrats as too left wing, describing them as communists, anti-American or even evil.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • The prospects who are performing well enough to expect a September call-up in a normal season, like Parks Harber, might be out of luck.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The big one, of course, is that NASCAR created a new playoff format meant to erase luck.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of luck
Noun
  • Start with this quilt set that’s lightweight but comfy for fall, then snag these ever-popular bed pillows with plush filling that shoppers compare to fluffy clouds.
    — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026
  • For something a little more on the luxurious side, look no further than this cross-stitch quilt.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of quilt
Verb
  • An amendment to prohibit noncitizens from voting, a thing that has not happened, and a thing already prohibited.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Apparently, this happens all the time because Daisy is Martha’s makeup artist as well as traveling companion, sounding board, and whipping boy.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of happen
Noun
  • The whole thing was essentially an American Cadillac crossed with an Italian coachbuilt exotic, at a time when Detroit was already going completely bonkers with automotive excess.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Georgia and Riley came to a peace treaty of sorts on the ski trip, so things are good there.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • The Seattle Seahawks have gotten an offseason full of congratulations, their Super Bowl rings and now will get the chance to see the banner raised before kicking off this season with hopes of repeating.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • There was one big first-half chance that went begging, Callum Doyle’s flick-on leaving the Wales international with just goalkeeper Max Weiss to beat, but his close-range header was tipped over.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of chance
Noun
  • Beneath wall text describing Báthory’s ghoulish crimes and her macabre punishment, bloody mannequins in nightshirts, one with its throat hideously cut, sprawl across a counterpane.
    — Sam Lipsyte, Harper’s Magazine , 27 Apr. 2022
Definition of counterpane
Verb
  • After the sentencing, Lee's wife, Elizabeth Tang, told reporters there is no freedom of speech in Hong Kong and that the sentences would shock and anger many people.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Meteorologically speaking, there are precisely 2,157 hours, or about 89 days, in an autumn in Chicago.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of be

Browse Nearby Words

hants
hap
haphazard
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Cite this Entry

“Hap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hap. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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