happens

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 The first death happens when the heart stops beating and the brain stops working. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025 What happens if a brain aneurysm ruptures? Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025 And when families lead with compassion instead of condemnation, recovery happens faster and lasts longer. Essence, 23 Oct. 2025 However, in many cases, there's crucial pre-show prep that happens privately, personally and ritualistically. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025 Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025 But until that happens, tracking use of screens—let alone trying to curtail it—will have little meaning. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025 But because so much of modern life happens in front of us — sitting, driving, typing — these muscles often become underused and weak. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 And once that happens, the risks do not stay confined to one company. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happens
Verb
  • The clash occurs more so on the stylistic side and acclimatising to Villa’s methods.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The Ravens' recent crackdown isn't anything new in the NFL, as this type of tactic to get players focused often occurs with struggling teams.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lawson may not suit up against the Bears, but there is a chance that Jackson will.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But there is a sense that these great rivals are more evenly matched this time around, with Xabi Alonso’s arrival helping to tighten up a Madrid side who still look just as devastating up top.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It’s made of mold- and mildew-resistant acacia wood and comes with plush, colorful cushions that are comfortable and supportive.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
  • It is not accredited by any major zoo or sanctuary associations, which is voluntary and comes with stricter welfare and conservation standards.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There’s a lot of stuff in the ocean, and marine debris tends to aggregate in the same places as does the whale sharks’ primary prey.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Maybe the bench does it more naturally, but the running didn’t stop when the starters were together.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Happens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happens. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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