as in occurs
to take place
did anything exciting happen over the summer?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 when thousands of AI agents get together online and talk like humans do?
—
Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
This feels like only a deal that happens if Giannis is set on NYC and the Bucks are willing to accommodate.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
And what happens when automation replaces entry-level roles in an industry that once promised economic repair?
—Aisha Alves, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2026
Those would impose most of the burden on Arizona and its Lower Basin neighbors and are silent on the question of what happens if the Upper Basin falls out of compliance with the compact.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 3 Feb. 2026
When this happens, visibilities frequently drop to one-quarter of a mile or less.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
If that happens, minor space-weather effects, like an aurora borealis, could occur.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
And that happens twice in the first season with Sophie Alekan (Aure Atika) and with Jed (Elizabeth Debicki).
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
What happens if someone causes harm?
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
This feels like only a deal that happens if Giannis is set on NYC and the Bucks are willing to accommodate.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
And what happens when automation replaces entry-level roles in an industry that once promised economic repair?
—Aisha Alves, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2026
Those would impose most of the burden on Arizona and its Lower Basin neighbors and are silent on the question of what happens if the Upper Basin falls out of compliance with the compact.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 3 Feb. 2026
When this happens, visibilities frequently drop to one-quarter of a mile or less.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
If that happens, minor space-weather effects, like an aurora borealis, could occur.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
And that happens twice in the first season with Sophie Alekan (Aure Atika) and with Jed (Elizabeth Debicki).
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
What happens if someone causes harm?
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happens
Verb
-
The department said there are no press briefings scheduled at this time, but noted a press conference would be called if a significant development occurs.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The AirFish harnesses the ground effect, which occurs when air becomes compressed between a wing and a surface, producing lift and reducing drag.—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There is no efficient transport of material in-and-out of the core, and thus, most of the star’s interior never gets a chance to fuse simply because of its location.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
-
While there is broad agreement that the nine-member presidential council should step aside after failing to make headway against gangs or oversee the organization of elections, consensus has broken down over what and who should replace it.—
JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
His appearance in court comes three months after Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old from Titusville, was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon in November while on a family vacation.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Today, less than three years after a teenager shot him six times, the music still comes.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
So, what does a 127-year-old wine taste like?—
Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Ward and Ausere said UConn does a great job supporting the club, helping pay for rigs, jumps and wind tunnel time.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happens. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
