happen (upon)

verb

Definition of happen (upon)next
as in to encounter
to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face happened upon the hotel manager in the lobby and promptly complained about the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for happen (upon)
  1. encounter
  2. meet
  3. run across
Verb
  • Employees may need mental-health or substance-use support but encounter barriers when trying to locate an appropriate provider.
    — Soniya Bopache, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The version using incorrect memory repeatedly encountered the same obstacle and never completed the journey.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of encounter
Verb
  • The couple met in 2018 through a Mormon dating app and tied the knot the next year, before welcoming their first child, Nora, in November 2021.
    — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Whether you’re headed to a Saturday tailgate, taking a leaf-peeping nature walk, or just meeting friends for dinner, there’s something for everyone.
    — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of meet
Verb
  • In 2024, Mandhana set the record for most international runs across formats by a woman and then beat her own record last year—a feat that contributed to her being crowned BBC Indian Sportswoman of 2025.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 June 2026
  • The fan ran across to the three-point line where San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was standing, and appeared to try to take a selfie with the player.
    — Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
Definition of run across
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.

Browse Nearby Words

happens (upon)
happen (upon)
happily
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happen (upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happen%20%28upon%29. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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