Thesaurus results for BEFALLING

befalling

verb

present participle of befall

as in happening

to take place whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on

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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 befalling Bad luck befalling one rival is probable in this league. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 Our leaders owe it to all of us to do their utmost to prevent this fate from befalling anyone else. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 The problem befalling many a meatball sub is the roll. — Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 Achilles ruptures also decimated the 2025 NBA playoffs, befalling stars such as Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and then-Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard, who now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. — Matt Villano, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025 But researchers can advance the potential for new and beneficial drugs while legislators help prevent such tragedies from befalling other families. — David Kroll, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for befalling

Verb

But while fans wait to see what happens, Davies, despite no longer being involved in the show, assured that a new series was definitely happening and there wouldn’t be too long to wait.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
There’s plenty of other awful things happening in the episode, almost all of them revolving around Sai.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of happening

Verb

Although smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, Sepesi said other risk factors include secondhand smoke and exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate inside homes.

— Tori Mason, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
At the same time, this super El Niño is occurring in a world in which the oceans are already record warm, adding heat on top of heat.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of occurring

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“Befalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalling. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of befalling

verb

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