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
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
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
With an optical band hap of about 1.74 eV, the perovskite cell demonstrated a power conversion efficiency of 17 percent on its own.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2016
Noun
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
With an optical band hap of about 1.74 eV, the perovskite cell demonstrated a power conversion efficiency of 17 percent on its own.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hap
Verb
-
The violence captured on cellphone videos and shared around the globe – buses burning, gas stations attacked, military helicopters flying overhead – wasn’t just happening in remote rural towns long plagued by drug violence.—
Mary Beth Sheridan,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The food and drink As with most of the smaller Parisian hotels, all the food and drink action happens in the same place—the property’s entrance is designed to be a comfortable lounge, bar, and breakfast area.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Sources say there are currently very few American companies with export licenses to export fuel to Cuba.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The onboard casino is one of the most lively places on the ship, and there are lots of shops onboard to spend your winnings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hap. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
