happens

Definition of happensnext
present tense third-person singular of happen

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 happens What happens next Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Mance is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026 What happens when that falls apart? Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 The 2026 edition of the annual IFPDA Print Fair closed Sunday with record attendance and strong sales, offering an early look at what happens when a fair built on prints starts to stretch beyond them. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Apr. 2026 And instead of everyone reaching for their phones, something different happens. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026 And when light passes through warps in spacetime, something fascinating happens. Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026 Where does this leave the 14-day ceasefire, and what happens after that? Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026 Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026 The real action happens outside of the courtroom—at the Cairo Club, or the bar at the Lafayette Hotel, or F&M Patio Bar—where the heat and the music and the drinks have a way of bringing Lemann back to herself. Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happens
Verb
  • The most significant loss of neurons occurs in an area of the brainstem called the substantia nigra, according to NINDS.
    Mason Leib, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.
    Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While there is nothing wrong with taking inspiration from fashion icons, finding your signature aesthetic requires a touch of introspection.
    Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The spa There is no spa, but there is a charming pool area with green-and-white striped chaise lounges and grass-green sun umbrellas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The decrease in approvals for citizenship comes amid fluctuations in those applying to naturalize.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Failure to do so comes with a fine of up to $32.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Unfortunately, their upstairs neighbors are about to arrive for dinner, and everything that can go wrong does.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Like really bad attitude, but also does some unspeakably bad things in this story.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Happens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happens. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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