happened (upon)

verb

past tense of happen (upon)
as in encountered
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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for happened (upon)
  1. encountered
  2. met
Verb
  • The researchers at Auxilium first encountered this challenge while developing nerve-repair implants, versions of which are already undergoing clinical trials.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
  • Instead, online conversation quickly shifted from anticipation to expectation, as social media filled with comparisons between polished concept artwork and the reality guests encountered on opening.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of encountered
Verb
  • When Prince Harry met the King in September last year, there was also no official photograph.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026
  • The company also met and spoke with residents and neighborhood organizations as part of the process.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of met
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 (on or upon)
happened (upon)
happening
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Cite this Entry

“Happened (upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happened%20%28upon%29. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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