as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
Related 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
Maury became a travel specialist by happenstance while living overseas (she’s called Hong Kong, South Africa, France, Australia, and Vietnam home at different points in her life).
—
The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
What followed, however, has been anything but happenstance.
—Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
The fact that the trades came so close to Trump’s announcement may have been mere happenstance, Khouw pointed out.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Time will tell if the mid-major is really extinct or if these last two years were a random happenstance in a college landscape that continues to radically shift.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
What followed, however, has been anything but happenstance.
—Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
The fact that the trades came so close to Trump’s announcement may have been mere happenstance, Khouw pointed out.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Time will tell if the mid-major is really extinct or if these last two years were a random happenstance in a college landscape that continues to radically shift.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happenstance
Noun
-
But sometimes your immune system simply decides to take a break right along with the rest of you—and that’s not necessarily a coincidence.—
Cassie Shortsleeve,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Parroted phrasing This is not a coincidence.—
Atom Ariola,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Recent polling suggests that roughly 30% of young Americans hold the view that political violence can be justified in certain circumstances.—
Andrew Cuomo,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
Meeting a partner’s family can be challenging in any circumstance; anxieties about a family member saying something rude or belittling can only compound that.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
