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,
5 Apr. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—
NOLA.com,
1 Feb. 2018
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
18 June 2026
Wackadoo describes the happenings in Family Movie, where the death toll keeps mounting as the blood moon rises.
—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
John Lippert,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
Speaking of history, Algeria likely would have advanced in the 1982 World Cup, but two teams conspired to keep that from happening.
—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
28 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
That Northeast setting, the extraordinary happening to ordinary people.
—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
18 June 2026
Wackadoo describes the happenings in Family Movie, where the death toll keeps mounting as the blood moon rises.
—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
Verb
At the May 28 rally, Ammons vowed to remain on the front lines and call attention to what’s happening in her city.
—
John Lippert,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
Speaking of history, Algeria likely would have advanced in the 1982 World Cup, but two teams conspired to keep that from happening.
—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Cool, fashionable girls are wearing track pants this season.
-
The easiest way to make a jersey feel fashionable is by paying attention to proportions.
Adjective
-
The device will completely block the ear canal and cause a low buzzing noise that makes drifting off hard.
-
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.
Adjective
-
In its proxy statement, for example, Fox cited revenue growth at its popular streaming service Tubi and high ratings for Fox News and Fox Sports.
-
Polling tells him that his moderate positions on important policies are popular.
Noun
-
For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
-
With an experience like that under her belt, would an Oscar really be that big of a deal?
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.
-
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.
Verb
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.
-
Syn explains that the starter is created by combining flour and water, allowing naturally occurring wild yeast and beneficial bacteria to grow over time.
Adjective
-
The stylish silhouette instantly dresses up everything from jeans and trousers to flowy dresses, while the supportive sole makes the shoes easy to wear for hours at a time.
-
Only Prime members can save on this linen blouse, which features trendy three-quarter sleeves that are equally stylish and functional.
Adjective
-
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy shipping corridors, has remained a focal point of tensions since fighting erupted between the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year.
-
With the bullpen overworked from a busy week — which featured a doubleheader Wednesday — manager Craig Counsell said Friday wasn’t the time to be aggressive.
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
