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.
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Recent Examples of happening
Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
The likelihood of this happening is troublingly high.
—Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 June 2026
But while that conversation was happening upstairs, Brian was downstairs making a fool of her yet again.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Adjective
What was once a sleepy college town next to a railroad stop is now one of the most happening cities in the state of Texas.
—Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Noun
This spot is popular for its specialty margaritas and dishes like Southwestern-style egg rolls, and even has a live web camera of Main Street streaming 24/7 for those curious about Mackinac Island’s happenings.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
The likelihood of this happening is troublingly high.
—Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
The Panthers were connected to a potential trade for Winnipeg Jets netminder and three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, but that is likely not happening now after Florida sent its haul of draft picks to Ottawa.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 June 2026
But while that conversation was happening upstairs, Brian was downstairs making a fool of her yet again.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
This year’s Royal Ascot is officially underway in England, and the royal family's latest addition—Harriet Sperling—gave a fashionable nod to Kate Middleton with her light blue ensemble.—
Staff Author,
InStyle,
16 June 2026
-
The costumes are more fantastical than grittily realistic as well, with a hip Steampunk vibe that’s more fashionable than purely Victorian.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The device will completely block the ear canal and cause a low buzzing noise that makes drifting off hard.—
Liana Handler
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
Hudson Square is a thriving and buzzing creative hub–and the Dominick’s Street Art Search is designed so their guests could experience exactly that.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
In this sequence, human Lestat is a popular stage actor in Paris, and Magnus is a Perfect Blue-style greasy-haired stalker at the stage door.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
-
According to The Associated Press, police identified the five other people as Gaspar Prim Díaz, a popular Argentine YouTuber known as Gaspi; another Argentine, Lucas Vignale; and Brazilians Lucas Brito, Charles Marsillac and Alexandre Souza.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
-
With an experience like that under her belt, would an Oscar really be that big of a deal?—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
23 June 2026
Noun
-
The best Prime Day clothing deals tend to change day by day, so check back in over the course of the event to shop all the newest and most exciting markdowns.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
23 June 2026
-
Boggi Milano, which will also be the official licensee of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, is a fitting partner to the global sporting event.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 June 2026
Verb
-
This annual astronomical alignment signals the start of astronomical summer, occurring when Earth's northern axis is tilted most directly toward the sun.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
-
Naturally occurring tax revenues derived from economic growth would help obviate the need for Springfield’s seemingly endless quests for novel fees and tax ideas.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
Beren has achived high ratings from customers since moving into a stylish dining room that was formerly a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 June 2026
-
Baby blue is tranquil and stylish—but just offbeat enough to be interesting.—
Elle Turner,
Glamour,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Cohen said Humble Robotics is working to make cabless vehicles applicable to public roads, particularly those surrounding the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
-
If there is a busy period during the day, let children know in advance and then follow through by setting aside time later to connect.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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