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
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
Dunwoody welcomed both a new restaurant and a new tea room, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was recognized for its food, a local purveyor of sweet treats announced new flavors for the World Cup and more of this week’s happenings from the metro Atlanta food and dining scene.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
The way May 1 is shaping up right now, schools will be open, but at many of them little of educational worth will be happening.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 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
And there was no indication of anything like this happening.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
Dunwoody welcomed both a new restaurant and a new tea room, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was recognized for its food, a local purveyor of sweet treats announced new flavors for the World Cup and more of this week’s happenings from the metro Atlanta food and dining scene.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
Apparently, this has been happening around London a lot when people owe money.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
The way May 1 is shaping up right now, schools will be open, but at many of them little of educational worth will be happening.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Featuring bolder, thicker spots at the top and more refined, micro specks down the skirt, this mini dress makes all-day, fashionable wear easier than ever.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
-
While personal fans have been a fashionable accessory since before the Victorian era, the category has been stifled by a lack of innovation for a while.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
On the handful of occasions in each game between them when Jokic catches at the elbow and his teammates clear out, an anxious hush invariably falls over a buzzing arena.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Even the most cursory tour of local highlights will take you from the 2,000-year-old remains of Emperor Tiberius's cliff-top Villa Jovis to the still-buzzing purveyor of Jackie Kennedy's iconic sandals—Canfora, which anchors the Via Camerelle luxury shopping corridor.—
Elizabeth Heath,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Part of the problem is that his influence is so huge; the Canadian singer known as the Weeknd has become one of the most popular performers in the world with his moody, artful update of Jackson’s music.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Santa Monica city officials acknowledged that a change of shopping habits and safety concerns has hurt the popular shopping center.—
Brittney Ermon,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In Casual mode, players can take their time with unlimited chances to find every change, perfect for a relaxed, low-pressure experience.—
Rachel Jacoby Zoldan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The series first debuted on Prime Video in 2021 and quickly gained a huge following, with viewers charmed by the beautiful scenery and the drama that country living can bring, helped along by Clarkson’s total lack of farming experience.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Subscribe today Hello, this is Hui Jie writing to you from Singapore, while Leonie is away preparing for CNBC’s CONVERGE LIVE event, featuring names like former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Capital Group CEO Mike Gitlin.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The plots of these shows usually center on a murder, which occurs not so much to end a human life as to inconvenience our star, who must postpone a brunch or a media event to conceal an inconvenient corpse.—
Libby Gelman-Waxner,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Their numbers vary from year to year, with population explosions occurring every few years, says Owen.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Quilted jackets are stylish, both lightweight and insulated, easy to layer, and conveniently packable, too.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Apr. 2026
-
This two-piece strikes the right balance between casual and stylish.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The café is serviceable and busy all the time.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Grand Central Terminal, one of the city’s busiest transit hubs, serves not only daily commuters, but also draws thousands of tourists each day.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
