happen

verb

ˈha-pən How to pronounce happen (audio)
Definition of happennext
as in to occur
to take place did anything exciting happen over the summer?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 However, his statement differed from the witness who described what happened. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 But few knew much about what was happening in Liz’s own family back in Thomaston — until one morning near the end of her junior year. — Felice J. Freyer, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026 Many of these drivers are homeowners waiting on their property tax bills to arrive, whenever that finally happens. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin decided this morning that nothing is going to happen in that big flex by Paramount until September 24. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happen
  1. occur
  2. come
  3. be
  4. do
Verb
  • Most of the gains occurred during the initial stages of the health emergency when student loan payments were paused.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Pulaski County sheriff's office is investigating a shooting that occurred in the College Station neighborhood of Little Rock on Saturday.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of occur
Verb
  • As for Joe Musgrove’s next opportunity, that will come Thursday for Triple-A El Paso for Oklahoma City.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Menon came aboard on July 14, making the trip on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft along with cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of come
Verb
  • There are steps everywhere, apart from the restaurant, and access on and off the boats can be a bit tricky.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • According to the District Attorney’s Office, there were 571 parole hearings scheduled last year for people sentenced in San Diego to life in prison.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of be
Verb
  • But not before the former cheerleader caught a pass from Tebow and immediately did a split, drawing cheers from her favorite quarterback.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But the band fury is as climactic as anything that could be done continuing to have the full ensemble play… and Dudamel looked happy enough to put his baton down, turn around and just watch the group play for a few minutes.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of do

Phrases Containing happen

Browse Nearby Words

happed
happen
happen (by)
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Cite this Entry

“Happen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happen. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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