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
Todd Gordon, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
Even though these [were] all organic sounds and there wasn’t any processing happening, something about having the sounds go through a keyboard was triggering something subtle in their brains and throwing it off.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026
Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
We won’t be allowed to know what’s really happening.
—Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 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
Central banks have been major buyers of gold during this de-globalization dynamic happening, and then perhaps peak gold bullishness was reached during the escalation of the Iranian conflict.
—Todd Gordon, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
Even though these [were] all organic sounds and there wasn’t any processing happening, something about having the sounds go through a keyboard was triggering something subtle in their brains and throwing it off.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
At the same time, some events are not happening as communities find the most effective ways to direct resources to local businesses and neighbors following this winter’s federal immigration surge.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
We won’t be allowed to know what’s really happening.
—Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Set the scene Copenhagen Fashion Week may only occur twice a year, but staying at the Bella Grande recreates the city’s most fashionable event on the daily.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The final space in the show considers Gnoli’s preoccupation with clothing, in part a product of his costume-design background and exposure to his first wife’s fashionable friends.—
Stephanie Sporn,
Vogue,
21 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 distinction was missing both from popular discourse, the academics felt, and from an influential definition of antisemitism associated with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which lists numerous examples of antisemitism related to criticism of Israel.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The backstory Eastwind Oliverea is the group’s first ground-up build, but in the early 1900s, the property was once home to the McKenley Farm, a popular seasonal vacation spot for African American families.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The situation has fueled broader conversations about event marketing, consumer expectations and accountability when large-scale fan experiences do not match their promotional claims.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Additionally, the show features bundle deals and insider offers for discounts on dining and experiences.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The event features a diverse lineup of live music and art along with food, craft beverages and art installations.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Justin Gaethje, lightweight interim champion — Coming off an upset of Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January to claim the interim belt, Gaethje will face Ilia Topuria in the main event of the UFC White House card on June 14.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
These are not naturally occurring like land and labor.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Beneath it all, naturally occurring glacial ice a mile deep sparkles like a cache of diamonds.—
Laura Dannen Redman,
Robb Report,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The ballet flat silhouette is stylish.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Set in a secluded Catalonian villa, the irksomely stylish story centers on a rich family living in insulated excess until an outsider disrupts their precarious peace.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Morales commented on the incident happening during a busy weekend in the city, which includes Ultra, a concert at the Kaseya Center, and the Marlins' opening weekend.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Let that passion carry you through the busier stretches.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
