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
John Meyer, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Let’s break down the most notable happenings.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
There is also a potential of not much happening.
—Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 26 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
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
That’s happening as significant chunks of the country set records for the warmest winter followed by March and April drought.
—Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
There is also a potential of not much happening.
—Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 26 Apr. 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
-
One person notably not on that list is Heastie, who is reportedly working to derail the popular bill behind the scenes even as most of his colleagues seem to understand its necessity.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Among the most popular citrus fruits are oranges and mandarins, which often appear side by side in grocery stores and lunchboxes alike.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Archibald has experience in all of those roles in his 23-year career in education that includes teaching 13 years in the classroom, working 10 years in administration as an assistant athletic director and coaching for all of that time.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The Honma experience quickly became a disastrous one for Rose, and while McLaren could end up being the next great golf brand, his taking another chance on a brand that has proven exactly nothing in the golf space is questionable, at best.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Trump has argued that last weekend’s shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner demonstrates why the ballroom is needed to hold safe, secure events for the president and other officials.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Our Consider This event takes place on Thursday, May 7 on the Universal lot, with a reception to follow at the Peacock Grill.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This naturally occurring element is inescapable, but there are simple ways to decrease the risks.—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Inside, guests milled about on multiple levels where pre-dinner receptions were occurring.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 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
-
Lucas Giolito had a busy first full day in the Padres organization.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
As always, our NASCAR experts, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, took time out of their busy schedules to answer all our Talladega questions.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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