befall

verb

bi-ˈfȯl How to pronounce befall (audio)
Definition of befallnext
as in to happen
to take place whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on

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 befall Because since the Knicks won an NBA title, injuries have befallen Yankees star Aaron Judge and Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 The song, written with Dan Wilson, isn’t just a story of the turmoil that befell the band post-2003. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 Road rage will be more prevalent, both at home and far away, and mechanical breakdowns could also befall you at the worst possible times. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026 In March, too, Nix ran through the series of fortunate-turned-unfortunate events that befell him in January. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for befall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befall
  1. happen
  2. occur
Verb
  • This year, that did not happen initially, according to officials in three states who spoke to NPR anonymously because they weren't authorized to speak to the press.
    — Miles Parks, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Room for Disagreement No matter what happens with Permian oil production, the region is set to see a windfall from the influx of hyperscale data centers, including an enormous one Chevron is building southwest of Midland.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of happen
Verb
  • People who had already turned 55 when the law was enacted also were given until August 2021 to file lawsuits, no matter when the alleged abuse occurred.
    — John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Trials in four other cases in which Sorrells’ predecessor, Sharen Wilson, decided to seek the death penalty, have occurred during Sorrells term.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of occur

Browse Nearby Words

beetling
befall
befallen
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Cite this Entry

“Befall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befall. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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