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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

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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
  • The 268 rooms are spread across a collection of 17th century townhouses connected to the 15th century Olof’s Chapel, now used for events.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • My goal is to analyze financial markets by taking a longer view of history, and to give broader context to recent events.
    — Kelly Evans, CNBC, 16 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
  • Upcoming in October is a historic quilt show at the Avon Congregational Church — which proudly celebrates its heritage as a church of local abolitionists.
    — Nora Oakes Howard, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of quilt
Verb
  • With competitive midterm races happening in nearly all of the early states, potential Democratic presidential candidates are already on the trail with purple-district incumbents and candidates.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the rare display of industry unity, Nvidia's Jensen Huang pushed back by saying speed and safety can happen together, and said developers should act responsibly.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of happen
Noun
  • Not one person, not one thing, but cycles of cumulative, relational and shared actions that are equal parts remarkable and common.
    — Supriya Lopez Pillai, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Or was the whole thing a connivance and Mitzi Blinkhorn always destined to win, thanks to some Machiavellian manipulation behind the scenes?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Nevertheless, for homebuyers with thin credit histories, having an alternative credit score used could mean a greater chance of getting more favorable mortgage terms.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Connecting with family history For Kassidy Angelo, Gioia’s co-founder and managing director, La Sponda signifies not only a new frontier for the company but also a chance to revisit her family’s heritage.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 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
  • There was a lineup of celebrities and stars who graced these halls, with a guest ledger that features Clark Gable and Bette Davis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Sep. 2026
  • School officials pointed out there were 975 tickets sold, and the temperatures were in the high 60s with no rain.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 19 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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