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
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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
Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Stay up to date on the latest World Cup happenings in Dallas by joining the FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas WhatsApp channel.
—Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 June 2026
The emotion that the melodrama required was happening.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 7 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
The benches will be installed when the project is mostly done, with a ribbon-cutting happening later this summer, noted Paul Braun, the organization’s president, who also was mayor of Flossmoor for 12 years.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Stay up to date on the latest World Cup happenings in Dallas by joining the FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas WhatsApp channel.
—Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Verb
The network characterizes the request for edits as something that should be happening in the newsroom.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 June 2026
The emotion that the melodrama required was happening.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Chanel hosted a fashionable crowd Monday night in New York for its 19th annual Tribeca Festival artists dinner with plenty of reasons to raise a glass.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
-
This lightweight hat will protect you from UV rays while making a chic, fashionable statement.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Since the Bankhead and Livermore Cinema opened, a number of popular restaurants – including Zachary’s Pizza, Sauced BBQ and Spirits and Locanda Wine Bar have transformed a once-desolate block into a buzzing culinary destination.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
At the same time, the shrinking economy, new limits on internet access, blocks on popular messaging apps and concerns over state surveillance are adding to a wider sense of disquiet that is already starting to be reflected in polling data.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
Days later, the ruling party accused him of sabotaging the project on behalf of China and George Soros, echoing widespread antisemitic conspiracy theories that the billionaire Jewish philanthropist seeks to subvert popular rule.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
This had the effect of doubling the experience for everyone but Pippa.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
This stunning resort has 11 pool experiences, including a kid-friendly waterscape with a splash pad, waterslide, and gentle 18-inch-deep pool.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Trump has attended numerous sporting events since beginning his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
-
Although the structure itself has been replaced, the site has been home to community gatherings, events, concerts and celebrations for the past 130 years.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Their goals, occurring 39 seconds apart, are the fastest three in a Cup Final game.—
Mark Anderson,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
-
General Hypersonics conducted two launches exceeding Mach 4 from the same reusable launch system, with the second launch occurring approximately 90 minutes after the first.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
All the restaurants were bustling during my April stay with a mix of stylish locals and visitors, many from China’s megacities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
-
In addition to slip-on clogs and sandals, Birkenstock also produces stylish and supportive sneakers like the Bend Low sneakers, which boast cork and polyurethane (PU) midsoles that deliver top-tier shock absorption.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
These would be my nap companions, a busy hive of bees whose entrance was out the side of the cottage.—
Christine Sarkis,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
-
While guests can still order from their full beer menu, KC Bier said guests should expect a limited menu of food for matches during the brewery’s busiest hours, like on weekends.—
Katelyn Umholtz,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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