happening 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of happeningnext
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

happening

2 of 3

noun

ˈhap-niŋ How to pronounce happening (audio)
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in event
something that happens gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend

Synonyms & Similar Words

happening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of happen
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
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
There are legends of ghost sightings and spooky happenings on the dirt road, like the woman who reportedly wanders it in the dark, crying out for her children. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 But there’s cooling happening, too. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Verb
The shift from operating a tool to partnering with a team is the most important thing happening in the future of work, and almost nobody is naming it correctly. — Aj Thomas, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Volunteers with the nonprofit are trying to prevent Chicagoans from having to call 911, but the Chicago Fire Department says those calls are happening. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
  1. fashionable
  2. buzzing
  3. popular
  4. experience
  5. event
  6. occurring
  7. stylish
  8. busy
Adjective
  • These tactics often cater to baddies — Gen Z-speak for any fashionable, confident person — to reach younger, usually female audiences.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Channel your inner Sporty Spice with preppy tees featuring jersey numbers and rugby stripes, executed with fashionable precision by Versace, Nili Lotan, Staud, and TWP.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of fashionable
Adjective
  • Many of them, like Tubbs, were refugee Midwesterners, sick of parching droughts and devouring plagues of locusts, the insects descending in buzzing clouds thick enough to blacken the noonday sun.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • Common symptoms include vertigo, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing, buzzing or other noises, as well as hearing loss.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of buzzing
Adjective
  • For a month, supporters of at least 10 different nations have come through the metro to cheer on their teams at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium, attend the popular FIFA Fan Festival, try the city’s favorite barbecue and more.
    — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • For some travelers, the more popular American chains aren’t unfamiliar.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of popular
Noun
  • Don pioneered innovations in projection technology, 3D and large-format filmmaking, and immersive attractions that changed how audiences experience stories.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • The city’s Thursday night farmer’s market, which the LA Times calls one of the top 10 California experiences, is a great way to kick off a long weekend in San Luis Obispo.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.
    — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • The traffic control worker minimum wage, which only affects workers handling traffic at major happenings like concerts and sporting events, is more than $70 an hour.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of event
Verb
  • Similarly, officials with the public health department will look for clusters of cases that may indicate transmission occurring in California.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
Definition of occurring
Adjective
  • Even a 73-year-old shopper was impressed by its stylish, comfortable fit.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
  • The culotte-style stretchy shorts are equal parts comfortable and stylish, and the high-neck top can be worn either tucked-in or down and loose.
    — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • The Pierside in Santa Monica has been exceptionally busy during the World Cup, with many tourists opting to stay near the beach despite the longer trek to SoFi Stadium where the games are held.
    — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Journey actually has a live stream of the beach in one of the community areas, which is a good way to check how busy the beaches are before heading out.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of busy

Browse Nearby Words

happened (upon)
happening
happening (by)
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Cite this Entry

“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happening

Nglish: Translation of happening for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about happening

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