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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If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Stay away from open fields, hill summits, or ridge tops.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 June 2025 -
Fears that a serial killer is at large were reignited by the recent discovery of a body in a Texas lake, where 19 corpses have been found over the past three years.—
Sophie Clark,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Despite years of investments in analytics platforms, dashboards and data storage systems, many organizations continue to encounter the same core challenge: translating vast amounts of customer data into personalized, meaningful experiences that drive growth.—
Lalena Nau,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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The litigation against these celebrities has encountered hurdles.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 June 2025
Verb
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That comes across in Daisy, Dasha Nekrasova’s character, who conveys a certain knowing amusement with the whole thing.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
14 June 2025
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Its sentimentality could easily come across as maudlin, its structure too confusing to follow.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
12 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 19 Jun. 2025.
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