befalling

present participle of befall

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 befalling Bad luck befalling one rival is probable in this league. Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 Our leaders owe it to all of us to do their utmost to prevent this fate from befalling anyone else. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 The problem befalling many a meatball sub is the roll. Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 Achilles ruptures also decimated the 2025 NBA playoffs, befalling stars such as Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and then-Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard, who now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers. Matt Villano, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025 But researchers can advance the potential for new and beneficial drugs while legislators help prevent such tragedies from befalling other families. David Kroll, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befalling
Verb
  • When those things do start happening, the scares are every bit as effective as the buildup promises.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Yeah, just continue and figure out elegant ways to catch up with everyone, like catch up with what’s been happening in the last year.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Over the past decade, breast cancer rates have risen by 1% per year, with the steepest increase occurring in women younger than 50.
    Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • These receptors normally respond to endorphins, which are naturally occurring signaling molecules, and are activated by opioid drugs.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Befalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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