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
Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Or are all the happenings just a delusion?
—Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026
Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
That could, however, be what’s going on here, or there could be something else happening in his life.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 15 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
The Italian restaurants closest to the Nvidia happenings, Il Fornaio and Original Joe’s, are likely to be packed, so head to Little Italy.
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Or are all the happenings just a delusion?
—Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
What Blevins experienced is happening at airports across the country.
—Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
That could, however, be what’s going on here, or there could be something else happening in his life.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Marty Supreme star and presenter Gwyneth Paltrow looked fresh and fashionable in a custom Giorgio Armani Privé ivory silk strapless gown featuring dramatic cut-out sides that revealed nude tulle trousers accented by subtle crystal embellishment.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Premiering May 1 in theaters, The Devil Wears Prada 2 sees the fashionable return of Hathaway’s Andi, Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestley, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton and Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Opt for the spring or fall to enjoy the best of the city's buzzing outdoor markets and piazzas.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Mar. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
This unique approach has made Alterre shoes especially popular with brides wanting something special for their big day as well as working women looking to maximize the cost-per-wear on office 'fits.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Doing anything 98 times is a lot, and that certainly applies to the world’s most popular and prestigious award show (sorry about it, Alfred Nobel).—
Vulture Editors,
Vulture,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
My demo is High Wealth Adults/Couples 35-65, and families with adult children/multigenerational, interested in food, wine and local experiences.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
-
His experience playing safety and nickel will give Dallas varying looks from play to play over the course of a game, with Locke as a reliable rotating safety when Thompson does play closer to the line of scrimmage.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
During Monday’s event, the company presented a $50,000 donation and pledging 500 volunteer hours to Nourish Up, formerly Fishes & Loaves, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity for Charlotte families.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The eight-team event begins with quarterfinal games April 1-2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena.—
Laurence Miedema,
Mercury News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Restaurant by day, stylish club by night.—
Zacharia Washington,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The technical goals don’t interfere with the home’s stylish design, though.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some passengers have been arriving even earlier in Atlanta -- one of the world's busiest airports -- spooked about missing flights because of delays.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
-
One of the busier zones was at the Boardwalk Shops entrance where dozens of people were seen lining up to receive their registration materials, maps and wine glasses.—
David Sharos,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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