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 Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026 In its latest trends report, Embark says September is pacing ahead of last year in Europe, while July is slipping—the first time that has happened in the company's history. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 This typically happens because navigating the conflict proves that the relationship is resilient and can withstand the realities of the human experience. — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026 Reynolds was on her USPS route when the incident happened, Postal Inspector Jessica Adams told USA TODAY. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for happen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happen
  1. occur
  2. come
  3. be
  4. do
Verb
  • Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • The shootings, which also injured four people, occurred at two Fourth of July block parties about two miles apart, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of occur
Verb
  • The decision came before Carney headed to this week’s NATO summit, where allies face pressure to back higher defense spending with concrete plans.
    — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Unlike some folding bikes – including popular models from Brompton and Birdy – which come with small 16-inch wheels, the Tetra gets 20-inchers for greater comfort over a variety of road surfaces.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 July 2026
Definition of come
Verb
  • There are nods to the environmental devastation wrought by the cattle industry that dominated Southern California in the first half of the 19th century, as well as the Faustian bargain struck by Indigenous people who converted to Catholicism.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • That match was held before the game in Kansas City, and each time Cape Verde scored, there were cheers from the Colombia supporters at Arrowhead Stadium.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Definition of be
Verb
  • The divergence is over whether the worker shortage is improving slowly or still getting worse, and what the Supreme Court should do about it.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The band is forced into doing take after take in his quest to fully convey his own emotions.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 6 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happen

Nglish: Translation of happen for Spanish Speakers

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