1
as in experiences
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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2
as in events
something that happens
gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend
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Recent Examples of happenings
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports.
—
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Lots on that and the other major happenings in the TV and film world to follow.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Beginning at 4 pm eastern time, NBC and Peacock will broadcast the happenings at Laurel Park.
—Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The boutique hotel group was created by Kostis Karatzas, who’s also the founder of The Greek Foundation (a platform celebrating Greek creativity) and the publisher of The Athens Guide, meaning there’s an emphasis on connecting guests with the most exciting happenings in this vibrant city.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
There, on the Hudson River waterfront, David Wojnarowicz wrote poems and painted murals alongside Luis Frangella and Mike Bidlo, while Peter Hujar and Dirk Rowntree photographed scenes of impromptu happenings and performances, before the site was demolished in 1984.
—Natalia Torija, Curbed, 14 May 2026
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 14 May 2026
And then there’s a sprawling array of official and unofficial art happenings popping up around the lagoons and the surrounding islands.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Lots on that and the other major happenings in the TV and film world to follow.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Beginning at 4 pm eastern time, NBC and Peacock will broadcast the happenings at Laurel Park.
—Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The boutique hotel group was created by Kostis Karatzas, who’s also the founder of The Greek Foundation (a platform celebrating Greek creativity) and the publisher of The Athens Guide, meaning there’s an emphasis on connecting guests with the most exciting happenings in this vibrant city.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
There, on the Hudson River waterfront, David Wojnarowicz wrote poems and painted murals alongside Luis Frangella and Mike Bidlo, while Peter Hujar and Dirk Rowntree photographed scenes of impromptu happenings and performances, before the site was demolished in 1984.
—Natalia Torija, Curbed, 14 May 2026
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 14 May 2026
And then there’s a sprawling array of official and unofficial art happenings popping up around the lagoons and the surrounding islands.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happenings
Noun
-
There’s also a chill place to hang post hanging ten, surf-wellness experiences, skateboarding clinics, and e-foiling.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
For many families, traveling is an exciting time—to meet new people, explore new destinations and create special experiences.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Though the couple hasn't commented publicly on their relationship, and Foxx has been candid about keeping his relationships out of the spotlight in the past, Huckstepp has supported Foxx at a number of events.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
-
Inspired by true events, LifeHack follows Kyle and his crew of digital Robin Hoods who hack scammers and steal from people the internet loves to hate, working from the comfort of their bedrooms.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Despite living in the most landlocked part of the British midlands in the 1980s, we were obsessed with the adventures of these 1929 pre-war kids messing about on boats in the Lake District.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
The dog of outdoor adventures for seriously ill children was not, in other words, being wagged by the tail of the popular salad-dressing company.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
-
Or, in this case, cutting things up with scissors and tossing them around.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Some people argue that enforcement becomes necessary when encampments grow large or long-term, especially when safety concerns, sanitation issues, or violent incidents arise.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
The Tribune has reported on several incidents involving recreational boaters on Lake Michigan and nearby waterways, underscoring the importance of preparedness and safety awareness.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Given the circumstances for the game against Arsenal last time out, a defensive wing-back system was understandable, but sticking with the same tactics against Newcastle was another reminder of how incognisant Nuno can be in his approach.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
Although Djena wasn’t literally trapped in the Toures’ home, she was trapped by her circumstances.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
The aesthetic is going to go a lot of different places across Season 8, too, including two episodes in the round and the finale, which Badner wouldn’t dare spoil but is proud of the wonderful collaboration between the production design, camera, and lighting teams.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
19 May 2026
-
For one of his final episodes, Stephen Colbert paid tribute to some of the worst ideas the late-night show has had, including dressing Michael Keaton up as a pigeon.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
This is proof that sometimes divine intervention-like occurrences can happen, occurring purely via the Grace of God.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
Valdez’s ejection was the latest in a series of questionable occurrences throughout his career, including a situation last season when Valdez, then with the Houston Astros, crossed up catcher César Salazar, prompting speculation about whether the pitch was thrown with malicious intent.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happenings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenings. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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