happen

verb

ˈha-pən How to pronounce happen (audio)
Definition of happennext
as in to occur
to take place did anything exciting happen over the summer?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 happen Wrigley View Rooftop has also insisted that its roof viewshed includes Wrigley Field, among other properties in Chicago; that’s what happens when one building is next to another in a large city. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026 There is more organizing happening on the ground than at any point in our lifetimes. — Liz Shuler, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 For those planning a trip to Wegmans later today, here’s what happened outside before the doors officially unlocked. — Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 But if that should happen in Berkeley, Bill Buchholz could become a pretty popular guy. — John Ramos, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happen
  1. occur
  2. come
  3. be
  4. do
Verb
  • These functions can obscure crucial differences in how these activities are designed to reward users; a relatively small parlay wager can offer the possibility of an outsized, immediate payout if multiple outcomes occur.
    — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The incident occurred along the 3700 block of Gardenia Avenue, where police received a call about two shots being fired in a nearby residence, Long Beach Police said in a statement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of occur
Verb
  • The post came roughly seven hours after Anthropic's Sunday announcement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In a matter of weeks, when the midterm results are tallied and the next campaign begins, Democrats with presidential dreams know the question will be coming.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of come
Verb
  • The exact timeline for when these AI companies go public is still in flux, but there is no doubt that new wealth will be coming online soon, and some of it is already here.
    — Melissa Stevens, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There are believed to be two adult owls, and some photographers have claimed to have seen six fledglings, Barrett added.
    — JOSEPH FREDERICK, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of be
Verb
  • PhotoTat can have additional practical applications, including for medical tattoos like those done on cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI has reportedly floated the idea of giving the government up to a 5% stake in the company and suggested other leading AI companies do the same.
    — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of do

Phrases Containing happen

Browse Nearby Words

happed
happen
happen (by)
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Cite this Entry

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

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