happens

verb

present tense third-person singular of happen
as in occurs
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 happens But the extremely rapid pace here also raises concern about what happens if, or when, the boom starts to dissipate. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 When that happens, continue beating until the mixture is smooth and some of the batter sticks to the sides of the bowl, another minute or so. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Knowing exactly what happens during the earliest stages of oxidation could help researchers build more accurate models of copper’s surface chemistry and corrosion. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 The rest of the convention would be televised only if something newsy or interesting happens, and most likely after the fact. — Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 This happens less with commercial planes, which tend to fly to a destination with a set of passengers and then pick up new ones immediately for the next flight. — Elliott Harrell, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026 Before that happens, Manning and Texas are tasked with living up to high expectations after falling short of their lofty goals last year. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Grandmacore cooking works because the reward happens off the feed. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Marcus Coleman, Dalilah's father, told the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement in a hearing on sanctuary city policies exactly what happens when lawmakers and authorities fail to enforce laws. — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happens
  1. occurs
  2. is
  3. comes
  4. does
Verb
  • That model may make sense in other areas of medicine, such as orthopedics where a fracture occurs within one body.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This famous line for musicians also has a deeper metaphysical element – the present moment is where transformation occurs.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of occurs
Verb
  • The question then becomes whether there is a problem with the emerging technology, or, if this starts with the culture of policing itself.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • However, there is still opportunity in the chaos of the great wealth transfer.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of is
Verb
  • There comes a point in every woman’s life when a mid-calf floral skirt starts looking suspiciously like the best thing in your wardrobe.
    — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In addition, each figure comes with extra sets of hands and accessories related to each of the characters.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of comes
Verb
  • Here below, France’s own long-drink-of-water goalie Robin Risser does his best Beckham follow-on act with a stately Louis Vuitton carry-all with their trademark leather trim at the stress points.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Fazio wants a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones in schools; so does Lamont.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of does

Browse Nearby Words

happen (on or upon)
happens
happens (by)
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Cite this Entry

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

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