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
But let’s see what happens when Mississippi State takes its show on the road in a game of significance (sorry, Southern Miss).
—
Matt Hayes, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2025
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Thompson said what happens next to the whales rests with Marineland.
—CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
The 2025 Cincinnati Reds will ultimately be defined by what happens next.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Not to worry though, say scientists at NASA, because another meteor shower happens in October well after the supermoon has faded.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the best interactions in the play happens wordlessly, when Nelson and Nick engage in a dance off.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
The spiritual experience here, these days, happens when Joyce clocks in.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Matt Hayes, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2025
Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
Thompson said what happens next to the whales rests with Marineland.
—CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
The 2025 Cincinnati Reds will ultimately be defined by what happens next.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Not to worry though, say scientists at NASA, because another meteor shower happens in October well after the supermoon has faded.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the best interactions in the play happens wordlessly, when Nelson and Nick engage in a dance off.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
The spiritual experience here, these days, happens when Joyce clocks in.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happens
Verb
-
Chronic urticaria occurs when hives are caused by certain environmental or physical factors, whereas chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) isn’t triggered by external factors.—
Maggie Ryan,
Flow Space,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Sunscald occurs most often on plants located along a wall with an intense southern or western exposure.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
With the growing exodus, there is abundant proof that English players can have successful careers on the continent, with plenty of European clubs prepared to operate as stepping stones.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
There is no evidence that hemorrhagic disease can spread to humans, through contact or consumption.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The convenient kit comes with floor and roofing materials, plus nails, screws, handles, door locks, and fixings, which means less time wasted running to the hardware store.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
-
This Hearth & Hand with Magnolia x KitchenAid stand mixer comes with 10 different attachments, has 10 speeds, and includes an exclusive copper stainless steel bowl.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
He's involved in everything the Journal Sentinel does online — both our website and our social media platforms, like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.—
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
What time does 'Life of a Showgirl' drop?—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Happens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happens. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share