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
Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The title, by the way, refers to Ohm’s opinion on the Irish folklore about supernatural happenings that people take serious around the place.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
The Constitution gives greater weight to a defendant's rights to a fair trial than the public's right to know what's happening in a case.
—Arkansas Online, 10 May 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 Volo Museum’s owners and staff are flummoxed by the latest incident in a place already known for paranormal occurrences and other strange happenings.
—Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
The title, by the way, refers to Ohm’s opinion on the Irish folklore about supernatural happenings that people take serious around the place.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
There was lots of sparks that are happening.
—Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
The Constitution gives greater weight to a defendant's rights to a fair trial than the public's right to know what's happening in a case.
—Arkansas Online, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Lakeside or beachside, this flowy poncho top and mini skirt set is a fashionable look for daytime exploration.—
Nneya Richards,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2026
-
Ahead, shop more of my mom’s Quince shoe picks for looking fashionable while staying comfortable.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
Along my walkway and all over my neighborhood, nasturtium flowers are opening like bright orange suns, fragrant lavender is attracting buzzing bees, and rosemary bushes are beginning to brighten with baby blue flowers.—
Senior Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
Drawing inspiration from both family recipes and a buzzing street food culture, Ngon’s dishes are vibrant and packed with flavor.—
Nathanael Gassett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Our household had no luxuries, no snack foods, no desserts, no popular culture except what came from the AM radio, and only a few appliances, including a washer but no dryer.—
Nicholas Dawidoff,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
-
Open landscapes in Castilla y León — around León, Burgos and Palencia — are expected to be popular for their clearer western horizons and slightly higher sun.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
The experience is still going to sell to a lot of people who can afford it—I’m getting the college experience, the frats, the football.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
Shaina Montiel says her mother stills cries thinking about her harrowing experience with hantavirus at age 5, which, according to the CDC, can have a fatality rate up to 38%, depending on the type of syndrome caused by it.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Lisa’s Safe Haven Childcare, which has eight locations throughout Northwest Indiana, hosted Monday’s event while its workers were on strike.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
12 May 2026
-
Social events tend to allow a tiny bit of leeway, even though the host then has to listen to tedious descriptions of the traffic.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Davis, the observer, said that unlike the earlier trackers, the Migra Map doesn’t attempt to alert people to events occurring in real time, but reports enforcement actions after the fact.—
Carolina Cuellar,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
And yet, here comes along Björk, not just cutting a stylish figure in the ensemble on a red carpet, but basically raving in it.—
Max Berlinger,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
-
Modern Vienna is a thriving metropolis with a stylish centre.—
Jaymi McCann,
TheWeek,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
With his decision made, Kerr will have a busy summer.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
10 May 2026
-
The quick turnaround was a whirlwind for Griffin, who bolted from Westchester to the busy downtown Brooklyn streets.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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