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
Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
The owners of popular local bakeries and ice cream shops announced their first new concept in seven years, several pizza restaurants received favorable reviews and more of this week’s happenings on the metro Atlanta restaurant scene.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 23 May 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
This weekend’s events are just a few of numerous happenings in Redwood City in the next few months.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
The owners of popular local bakeries and ice cream shops announced their first new concept in seven years, several pizza restaurants received favorable reviews and more of this week’s happenings on the metro Atlanta restaurant scene.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 23 May 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
-
To truly put your most fashionable foot forward, spring for the splurge-worthy Rag & Bone Emilee Ballet Sneakers—the on-trend sneakerinas are now over $100 off.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
2 June 2026
-
This is an island that attracts a fashionable globetrotting crowd, and loyal St Regis fans—arguably one in the same.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Like the Marrakech souks, Chatuchak is a full sensory experience of loud music, the smell of Thai street food and a buzzing, barter-friendly atmosphere.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
-
The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 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
-
Round it out with a stylish Béis belt bag to keep airport essentials close at hand, leaving you no excuse to hold up security, knowing the coveted carry is just under $30.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
-
Zaya Wade is one stylish teenager!—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Visitors from around the world now regularly stop in, and Cook says that drag in her hometown has never been busier.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
From a viral sand cat to an airport explosives arrest, the Sacramento region saw a busy stretch of news in early June.—
Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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