as in to occur
to take place
did anything exciting happen over the summer?
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 happen
What happens when 12 new men step into the Love Island USA villa at the same time?
—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
Elite performers, however, obsess over their conditioning — the daily habits, mindset shifts, emotional regulation, recovery protocols, and unglamorous disciplines that happen when no one is watching.
—
Melissa Dawn Simkins,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
Whatever happens for the remainder of this World Cup cannot be used to justify a system that has nothing to do with development, or kids playing sports.
—
Mac Engel
june 22,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 22, according to the Tribune’s archives.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for happen
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
Elite performers, however, obsess over their conditioning — the daily habits, mindset shifts, emotional regulation, recovery protocols, and unglamorous disciplines that happen when no one is watching.
—
Melissa Dawn Simkins,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
Whatever happens for the remainder of this World Cup cannot be used to justify a system that has nothing to do with development, or kids playing sports.
—
Mac Engel
june 22,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 22, according to the Tribune’s archives.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for happen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happen
Verb
-
The 82 year old was traveling with 12 other family members from Kansas City to Chicago when the crash occurred, attorney Sam Wendt said.
-
El Niño shifts global weather patterns A naturally occurring climate cycle, El Niño is already exerting effects along the equator, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, during his June 17 WeatherWest podcast.
Verb
-
Over the past few months, Anthropic’s aspirations in the life sciences have begun to come into focus.
-
The effort comes as Colorado officials have renewed concerns about mountain pine beetles.
Verb
-
There were kids battling adults of the same age as their parents.
-
Projections varied in the weeks leading up to the draft with no real consensus among draft analysts, but in the last 24 hours there were strong indications the Clippers would choose Wagler and the Nets would take Brown.
Verb
-
Smoke, salt, pepper and bark do the work.
-
Mark Thompson does the costume and scenic design, with lighting by Howard Harrison.
Cite this Entry
“Happen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happen. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
