as in encounters
to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face
happened upon the hotel manager in the lobby and promptly complained about the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happens (upon)
Verb
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There will be five roster spots up for grabs, with one likely secured by whomever Dallas selects with its lottery pick, but there’s room for Bagley, especially as an emergency center option in case Dallas encounters more injury misfortune.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Feb. 2026 -
Anyone who encounters a sick, injured or dead marine mammal is asked to call the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region stranding hotline at (866) 767-6114.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Then, when a child returns to the clinic a year later, the coordinator meets with them again.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
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If the florals aren’t convincing enough, the base is grounded with patchouli and pink pepper for a spicy meets woody element that balances any overarching fruity sweetness.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Happens (upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happens%20%28upon%29. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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