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.
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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
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
Kristien Turner, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
But royal biographer and expert Robert Jobson doesn’t believe this is happening.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 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
Some of it stopped happening entirely.
—Kristien Turner, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
But royal biographer and expert Robert Jobson doesn’t believe this is happening.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
The cozy fleece bottoms have a flattering straight-leg fit and feature subtle side piping, giving them a fashionable, sporty effect.—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Off-ball linebackers, the fashionable new name for what was previously called inside linebackers, are in plentiful supply in the NFL draft.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
14 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
-
Boxy, aggressive styling on SUVs has been hugely popular with consumers.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The Naked Maxi Dress Barely there gowns are more popular than ever–on the runways at Paris Fashion Week and on the red carpets of awards season–as the ultimate bargaining chip to the attention economy.—
Chloé Versabeau,
Vogue,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Fudd also has experience on the international level with USA Basketball, winning a gold medal at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup, 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup and 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The new design will give travelers more leg and knee room, said Mauricio Parise, Delta's vice president of brand experience.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
PowerSchool had become so influential that in 2023, its CEO was invited to speak at the White House during an event promoting cybersecurity in education.—
Mike Levine,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
During an event at UCLA's Acosta Athletic Complex, players and athletic department officials provided an up-close look at the new uniforms.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lanolin is a deeply moisturizing oil naturally occurring in sheep's wool, humanely (and cruelty-free) sourced by Australian sheep farmers.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
12 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 19 Apr. 2026.
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