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
John Meyer, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Let’s break down the most notable happenings.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 May 2026
All that’s happening while Musk and Altman are pushing their respective companies towards public offerings that could be the largest in history.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 2 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 event, a major annual happening in the Vail Valley, dates back to 2002 when it was founded as a local whitewater festival known then as the Teva Mountain Games.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Let’s break down the most notable happenings.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 May 2026
All that’s happening while Musk and Altman are pushing their respective companies towards public offerings that could be the largest in history.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
Massive modern skyscrapers dominate the horizon, complemented by fashionable retail outlets.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
From its round neck and hem to its striped fabric, there are a few things that elevate this Automet top from a basic tee to a fashionable find.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Located near Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, these elegant accommodations are in the neighborhood's buzzing fashion district.—
Ellie Nan Storck,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Still, to be free of the pressures of the position, and to enjoy the perks of having been an enormously popular President—well, that had its appeal.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
This popular, low-maintenance plant features stunning burgundy foliage and bright pink spring flowers.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
The couple co-founded The Gap after a frustrating shopping experience when Don Fisher couldn’t find a pair of jeans that fit, according to the retailer.—
Anne D'Innocenzio,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
-
For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
But the events of the last three years have left me confused and altered our relationship.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
-
Allen was injured but was not shot during the April 25 attack at the Washington Hilton, which disrupted one of the highest-profile annual events in the nation’s capital.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High wind warning.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 May 2026
-
The possibility that prostitution was occurring at the motel came as no surprise to locals, whose city routinely ranks among the poorest and most crime-ridden in California.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Alongside its best-selling bedding and cozy cashmere loungewear, the direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand offers a lineup of stylish Italian leather bags that channel quiet luxury without the sticker shock.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2026
-
Innovatively engineered to maximize the smallest amounts of square footage, these micro lodges are packed with lots of inspiring design moments, from a mountain-view wonder in the south of France to a stylish pad in Atlanta.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
SpaceX was responsible for most of the 71 rockets launched last year from Vandenberg, one of the world’s busiest spaceports.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
In response, Asia has been busy implementing a range of measures, from restricting energy use to introducing fuel subsidies, re-starting coal plants, and imposing export restrictions.—
Wendy Cutler,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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