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
Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
Let’s dive into a few notable happenings from the last week.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026
What’s happening in the industry today, though, goes far beyond the usual whiplash.
—Ian King, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 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
For the latest on events, match-day travel advisories and local happenings, the official Miami Beach tourism site is a reliable resource as tournament dates approach.
—Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
Let’s dive into a few notable happenings from the last week.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
And the changes are still happening today, right?
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026
What’s happening in the industry today, though, goes far beyond the usual whiplash.
—Ian King, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
This spring, total comfort doesn't have to be at odds with looking fashionable.—
Antonio Fuentes,
Glamour,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The pleated crewneck and button-up details add a fashionable twist.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Tamarindo, a great stretch of beach for surfing, is equally famous for its nightlife, with buzzing spots like Chiquita's Tamarindo.—
Natalie Hammond,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Before sunrise, on a frigid, frozen lake south of Madison, Wisconsin, Zach Feiner is staring at a buzzing screen.—
Berly McCoy,
NPR,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Van, which is a 1½-hour drive from the border, has long been a popular destination for Iranians for work, travel and trade.—
Serra Yedikardes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Long overlooked, the area is now drawing travelers looking for an alternative to South Africa’s popular safari spots.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The biography examines how Blume’s personal experiences — including her Jewish identity and feminist awakening — directly influenced her beloved young adult novels.—
Whitney Friedlander,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The backstory South Palms is the second property in the Philippines by MGallery Collection, a boutique hotel brand under Accor that aims to provide luxury accommodations with a strong sense of place via immersive experiences and partnership with local communities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The event was originally scheduled to take place on the same date, but at a location more than 8,000 miles away at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The clubs, civic organizations and community events that once brought our forefathers together are largely fading away.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
There’s also some of the content that’s emerged that really [highlights] activism at its highest level to show the exploitation and corruption that’s occurring on our planet.—
Gqlshare,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Broward situation reflects national trend Disputes between hospitals and insurers over reimbursement rates and claim payments, like those in Broward County, are occurring nationwide.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
A little lighting can also go a long way toward adding ambience and safety after dark, from a stylish wall lantern (now 87% off) to shatterproof LED string lights that don’t require a plug-in.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Mar. 2026
-
But after reopening with a stylish, colorful new interior, Calle 75 shuttered its dining room weeks later and restricted public access to the takeout window.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
One drone hit the world’s busiest airport, in Dubai, on Saturday, dashing hopes that flights could resume from the regional hub.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Dubai International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, was one of the targets.—
Robert Stewart,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
