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
Beth Sobol, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Any Halloween happenings around Indianapolis?
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025
Katrina Cossey, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
This time in our world, what's happening in current events.
—H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
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
Now, Hoofnagle hangs out with the Seahawks WAGs and often posts about their sideline happenings.
—Beth Sobol, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Any Halloween happenings around Indianapolis?
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day, is happening!
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
This time in our world, what's happening in current events.
—H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Toss it in your tote for just-in-case scenarios, or drape it over your shoulders and tie for a more fashionable statement.—
Nusrat Sultana,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Vionic Winny 2 Sneakers Vionic sneakers are fashionable enough to wear to work or the grocery store thanks to the versatile leather and suede materials — and this pair is currently at one of its lowest prices.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The unconventional thriller played like gangbusters to the buzzing New York crowd.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
At the time of his sentencing, Williams was a buzzing rapper, with his 2021 mixtape Shiesty Season, his only full-length project, peaking at Number Three on the Billboard 200.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Shop the Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans, these popular Halara pants, a budget-friendly Amazon pair, and more.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The ‘dogs’ proved so popular, in fact, that the 1966 World Cup group game between France and Uruguay had to be moved across London to White City as Wembley’s owners refused to cancel its regular Friday night meeting.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Group members can share experiences, knowledge, hopes, fears and strengths.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Then he was forced out of his job by the White House, only to be replaced by Lindsey Halligan, a former insurance lawyer in Florida with no experience as a prosecutor.—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Military watchers play close attention to what North Korea chooses to show off at such events.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
9 Oct. 2025
-
CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But recent travel trends show that a major shift is occurring, and that's who is travelling to the country's medical tourism hubs.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
-
However, a shift is occurring, with younger stars and their fans more willing to embrace progressive ideals and publicly criticize the right.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This stylish and practical travertine tray is another one of Barney's go-to picks for organizing clutter while adding texture.—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Plus, save on the best carry-on our editors have tested, the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-on, and a stylish Coach tote that’s currently trending.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s no better way to bring peace to a busy weeknight, welcome a new neighbor, or be reminded of your childhood than a nostalgic comfort food.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Good morning, it's been another busy week in Central Indiana.—
Joe Mutascio,
IndyStar,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share