happened (on or upon)

verb

past tense of happen (on or upon)
as in found
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 happened (on or upon)
  1. found
  2. encountered
Verb
  • The festival, which spans the beach between Santa Monica Pier and Bay Street, takes its name from the street where Allen Sides founded the Ocean Way Recording studios.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
  • Marchanta, which was founded by Raylin Diaz, creative director, in the Dominican Republic creates collectible sculptural objects and fragrances inspired by the cultural richness of the Caribbean.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Definition of found
Verb
  • The New Evidence also devotes time to the defense theory that Laci encountered the burglars who robbed the home of across-the-street neighbors Rudy and Susan Medina.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026
  • Later that morning, officers again encountered the van and surrounded it after its occupants allegedly attempted to flee a second time, Reitz said.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of encountered
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

happened (by)
happened (on or upon)
happened (upon)
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Cite this Entry

“Happened (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happened%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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