happening 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of happeningnext
1
as in fashionable
being in the latest or current fashion those are some happening duds, man

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity the downtown theater district is a happening place this autumn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in popular
enjoying widespread favor or approval that might be a happening outfit right now, but not on a woman who'll never see 40 again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

happening

2 of 3

noun

ˈhap-niŋ How to pronounce happening (audio)
1
as in experience
an exciting or noteworthy event that one experiences firsthand the President's visit to the school was a real happening for teachers and students alike

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in event
something that happens gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend

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happening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of happen
as in occurring
to take place did anything exciting happen over the summer?

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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 happening
Adjective
What was once a sleepy college town next to a railroad stop is now one of the most happening cities in the state of Texas. — Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018 In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats. — NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Noun
Subscribe here and stay up to date on the happenings in Washington and politics across the states with our daily politics newsletter. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 That understanding for the narrator is one tinged with mourning for the boy who endured but also the suspect boy who was always there, even before all the unfortunate happenings. — Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
The capacity is there, but nobody ever taught them how to read what’s happening beneath the surface the way high-functioning organizations require. — Dr. Rick Ruperto, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Pointing out the crucial connections between what is happening in Gaza and what is happening in Hollywood is the exact opposite of antisemitism. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
  1. fashionable
  2. buzzing
  3. popular
  4. experience
  5. event
  6. occurring
  7. stylish
  8. busy
Adjective
  • From Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka to Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic, the biggest stars in tennis traded their on-court kits for some highly fashionable attire.
    — Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Packed to the rafters with fashionable Western clothing and accessories, Maverick Fine Western Wear is a must-stop shop in the heart of the Stockyards.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of fashionable
Adjective
  • Tucked away in a private backyard in Ashford, one of the state’s few apitherapy huts allows people to breathe in air from thousands of buzzing bees.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Over the decades, the equipment evolved into today’s version of the sport, featuring a beeping softball and four-foot-tall buzzing foam bases that guide players through sound.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of buzzing
Adjective
  • Lavender Lavender is a popular garden perennial for its pleasantly calming fragrance and profuse purple blooms.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, the outfit has remained massively successful in its home country of Canada and very popular in America – though its most recent full-length, Get Rollin’, marked its first to fail to enter the top 10 on the Billboard 200 in decades.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of popular
Noun
  • Together, the workforce brings more than 250 combined years of Minuteman III experience at each base, according to the Air Force.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • To be with people of different ages, races, and experiences is a gift.
    — Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • August's payrolls report, out Friday, will be the main event for economic data.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • At one of the first promotional events, Bullock briefly chatted about her time on the Miss Congeniality franchise.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of event
Verb
  • El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, one of the most powerful naturally occurring climate patterns on Earth, the WMO said.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The woman was under the influence but remained conscious and aware of what was occurring, according to the affidavit.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of occurring
Adjective
  • This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In the morning, stylish couples from Tokyo were arriving for a ski weekend in late May.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • Then, the Iran war started, resulting in massive disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, once one of the world's busiest oil-shipping lanes.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Palacios brings plenty to Ipswich with and without the ball, the statement signing in a busy window who could go a long way to keeping them up.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of busy

Browse Nearby Words

happened (upon)
happening
happening (by)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happening

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about happening

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