as in to find
to come upon unexpectedly or by chance
happened on the filming of a movie
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happen (on or upon)
Verb
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There, a tactical response team found a man lying dead with a weapon nearby, whom authorities believe was the shooter.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
1 July 2025 -
If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Researchers with the organization scanned 700 miles of Lake Michigan using sonar technology and used models to recreate the weather patterns that Flight 2501 would have encountered the night of the crash.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
28 June 2025
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On the other hand, drivers relying on an EV's full driving range in optimal conditions may encounter frustrating performance issues.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
Verb
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But this framing backfired by coming across as legalistic and materialistic.—
Omar G. Encarnación,
Time,
26 June 2025
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Just after midnight, her group came across another group of young women.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
24 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Happen (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happen%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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