1
as in fashionable
being in the latest or current fashion
those are some happening duds, man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
the downtown theater district is a happening place this autumn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in popular
enjoying widespread favor or approval
that might be a happening outfit right now, but not on a woman who'll never see 40 again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in experience
an exciting or noteworthy event that one experiences firsthand
the President's visit to the school was a real happening for teachers and students alike
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in event
something that happens
gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in occurring
to take place
did anything exciting happen over the summer?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of happening
Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 16 Feb. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
And yes, my work buddy, Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West, is there to get all the Travis Kelce-Taylor super happenings in New Orleans.
—Powered By, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
The most significant innovation in labor may now be happening in the shift economy—in hospitals, retail stores, and restaurants—among workers who never had the option to work from home.
—Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happening
Adjective
Waco was already a happening place before the Gaines began remodeling homes.
—Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 16 Feb. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Noun
Expect weekly picks for concerts and shows, information about art and cultural happenings, tantalizing tastes of local food and much more.
—Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
And yes, my work buddy, Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West, is there to get all the Travis Kelce-Taylor super happenings in New Orleans.
—Powered By, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
As companies begin to pull back on orders, which is happening already amid the uncertainty related to overseas manufacturing costs and domestic consumer demand, lower supply will potentially serve as a force sending prices higher.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
The most significant innovation in labor may now be happening in the shift economy—in hospitals, retail stores, and restaurants—among workers who never had the option to work from home.
—Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Shop the best markdowns of fashionable favorites such as Favorite Daughter best-selling trouser, Rag & Bone’s capri pants and By Malene Birger’s knitted skirt.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
11 July 2025
-
In the snap, the mother-of-two looked as fashionable as ever, this time styling the supportive shoes with a navy linen mini dress and gold jewelry.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The village’s recently opened popular Irish bar, Teehan’s, and the next door restaurant, Durbin’s, also joined the square’s debut celebrations.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
20 July 2025
-
In keeping with popular male balms for spiritual suffering, Turner turns to alcohol and functions as a mollusk, socially and professionally; his stoicism is an act, one his peers pick up on, and which some openly deride.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
On July 7, Richardson, who played Julia McNamara in the series, was feeling sentimental and reflected on the cast's experience filming the six-season drama in an Instagram post.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
8 July 2025
-
Nearby, counselors track each child’s progress on individualized goals — following directions, taking turns, handling disappointment — skills that will transform their experiences when school begins again.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Yes! started out as a different movie and changed to incorporate the events of October 7?—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
8 July 2025
-
In fact, the blocks were so easy to use that government and company officials who attended the kick-off event helped to build up one of the house’s walls after only a short lesson from Garrett.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
For example, humpback whale songs increased dramatically over the study period, with detections occurring 34% of days at the beginning to 76% by the end.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2025
-
This article has been amended to say the protests are occurring on March 14.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
However, there is an increasingly impressive array of stylish spots that might tempt you to stay off the beachfront, like the brand-new collection of 10 villas at Trobbu Tulum, offering a luxe private experience and even the option of all-inclusive dining.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025
-
Based on an unfinished Jack London novel, this swinging, pre-WWI caper pairs swaggering Oliver Reed with fierce, feminist Diana Rigg for stylish '60s thrills.—
EW Staff Updated,
EW.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Mammoth Bar - This seemed to be the busiest place during the day due to its convenient location right next to Mammoth’s 1st tee and 18th green.—
Jeff Goudy,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Called Artificial Intelligence for Managing Integrated Environmental Elements, or Aimee, the tech is meant to assist air traffic controllers at busy international hubs.—
Adrienne Bernhard,
Scientific American,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Here are some of my own favorite age gap relationship novels.—
Hattie Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
-
Evans has some starting experience and seems to be the favorite for the No. 4 job entering camp.—
Mike Kaye
July 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share