as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
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 happenstance
Both researchers emphasize that scientists don’t know nearly enough about K2-18 b to determine whether any dimethyl sulfide found in its atmosphere was produced by living organisms—or by abiotic happenstance of the kind that led to their own observations.
—
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
On this topic, other uses dug up some of these pictures that were less than well-reviewed:
The rationale here, on some level at least, appears to be trying to discount him winning Best Actor as more of a piece of happenstance, rather than consistent talent.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Their friendship also started out of happenstance.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
But, honestly, nothing about this show has been happenstance.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
On this topic, other uses dug up some of these pictures that were less than well-reviewed:
The rationale here, on some level at least, appears to be trying to discount him winning Best Actor as more of a piece of happenstance, rather than consistent talent.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Their friendship also started out of happenstance.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
But, honestly, nothing about this show has been happenstance.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happenstance
Noun
-
This is no coincidence, as AI is fundamentally reshaping the future of operational and financial operations.—
Omar Choucair,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
Is that a coincidence, or are those two things connected?—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
This approach creates zero pressure while acknowledging individual circumstances.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
The story follows unlikely hero, Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), who has found himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job… to die, for a living.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share