as in encountering
to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face
happened upon the hotel manager in the lobby and promptly complained about the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening (upon)
Verb
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This might even account for the ways in which the Gospels portray Jesus as moving freely among the diverse economic and social strata of society, whether encountering Roman centurions or being invited to dine in wealthy homes of the time.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025 -
When the eye looks symmetrical, that often means the storm is not encountering anything to weaken it.—
William B. Davis,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Goldberg-Polin has become a global advocate for the remaining hostages, meeting with world leaders and speaking publicly about her loss.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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After meeting in high school, the pair began dating in 1972 and split four years later.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Happening (upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening%20%28upon%29. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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