as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
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Recent Examples of happenstance
Cheech and Chong’s career, like their routines, was a perfect storm of happenstance.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
In a twist of happenstance, Ballesteros’ parents, Harry and Andry, were able to make it to Wrigley for his debut.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
International recruitment went from happenstance in the ’80s to an indispensable recruitment tactic that teams across the NCAA used to keep up.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 1 Apr. 2025
That’s partly happenstance, but also because broadcasters in Norway kept ordering new shows while others in Europe applied the brakes.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
In a twist of happenstance, Ballesteros’ parents, Harry and Andry, were able to make it to Wrigley for his debut.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
International recruitment went from happenstance in the ’80s to an indispensable recruitment tactic that teams across the NCAA used to keep up.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 1 Apr. 2025
That’s partly happenstance, but also because broadcasters in Norway kept ordering new shows while others in Europe applied the brakes.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happenstance
Noun
-
At the same time, Babs’s youngest daughter, Sis, has gone missing, which doesn’t seem at all like a coincidence.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
27 June 2025
-
That, however, wasn’t the big coincidence, as the sisters are close and have known about their relationship for many years.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Under the right circumstances, a small drone can destroy even the most robust concrete structure simply by bringing the detonator.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Using Trump as vinegar and a July 4 recess as honey, the South Dakotan rammed through a bill that many Republicans probably would have opposed under other circumstances.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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