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 The episode shows how an inflammatory allegation can reach millions before the people targeted have a chance to explain what was happening. — Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026 The move happened roughly a year after police began to investigate him following a bombshell story from two British media outlets. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026 Hawley added that the case at West Point would never have happened if that requirement had been in place. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026 Similar fights are happening all over North Texas as more and more people stream into this region. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happen
  1. occur
  2. come
  3. be
  4. do
Verb
  • The city will soon be holding advisory meetings to develop the list of events and festivals that will occur in the next 12 months.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • This iteration of the beloved children’s book revolves around the shenanigans that occur after a mischievous hat-wearing cat arrives to cheer up two siblings who move to a new town.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of occur
Verb
  • Food trend experts are betting the coming year will bring it even closer to your stovetop.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • For the first time in a dozen years, a leading OB-GYN group has updated its guidance on managing hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes and other disruptive symptoms that often come with menopause.
    — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of come
Verb
  • There are two methods for deducting mileage and each has different IRS requirements.
    — Marc Guberti, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2026
  • There was a possibility that kickoff would be moved after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all flights nationwide.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2026
Definition of be
Verb
  • Why such clueless animosity toward people whose only crime was doing what the nation asked of them?
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • When a team makes an investment in a cornerback like Indianapolis did, that player should be trusted to take on any receiver in the league.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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