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
Cutter Martin, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Usa Today Network, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
History lends itself to those kinds of suspicions, regardless of what is actually happening in board meetings.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Nov. 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
But, the greatest chance as of now for that happening is north and west of the Baltimore Beltway.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
The median offers a more accurate view of what's happening in a market than the average sales price, which would mean taking the sum of all sales prices then dividing by the number of homes sold.
—Usa Today Network, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
History lends itself to those kinds of suspicions, regardless of what is actually happening in board meetings.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Not the flashiest or most fashionable, but the most exquisitely made, the most precise.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
26 Jan. 2026
-
For others, a maxi-length puffer or cuddly Teddy Bear coat could coax them out the door with a little fashionable flair.—
Frances Solá-Santiago,
InStyle,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Nguyen’s main renovations brought the bar from the back of the room to the front, an open window into the buzzing new restaurant.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Once a pivotal railway stop, later the site of world-stage events, like the 1996 Olympic Games, and most recently, a filming epicenter, Conyers has blossomed into a buzzing destination, drawing visitors from across the globe.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The local brewery sponsored last fall’s Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest Home Brew Competition, and the top team was invited to Grains and Taps to brew a large batch of their most popular beer.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Fast forward to 2026, and Carhartt has become a popular option for any outdoor enthusiast due to the durability and technology woven into its clothing.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
On Saturday, the Riviera Country Club was home to the one-night culinary experience featuring two dozen Michelin chefs hosted by HexClad in partnership with Riviera Country Club benefiting Steadfast LA and ongoing wildfire recovery efforts.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Neuroscience has long shown that watching another person experience pain activates the same neural regions as experiencing pain ourselves.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Ball was depicted on social media attending a Senior Bowl event at a local elementary school on Monday, which was publicized by both the Senior Bowl and UA athletics.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
-
There were almost no literary festivals or bookstore events.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Republicans in the hearing largely targeted Walz and his leadership, placing blame for the fraud occurring under his watch.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
-
An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The brand has amassed a following of loyal travelers who live for its sleek, stylish, and functional bags.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The TiLink is a stylish bracelet that doubles as a 24-in-1 multifunctional toolkit.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
China has been particularly busy, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Starmer all visiting Beijing this month.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
-
But Greenstein says that keeping your child’s favorite toys handy in one spot around the home where kids feel comfortable and safe can give busy parents some time (even if just a few minutes) to call a friend, make a cup of coffee, take that shower, or even do a quick workout routine.—
Jillian Pretzel,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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