befell

past tense 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 befell By not putting out a press release or social media post announcing their Kalshi partnerships, both MLB clubs avoided the kind of embarrassing backlash that befell the New York Mets a few weeks ago. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Perhaps, then, the back spasms that befell him on May 23 were a blessing. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 May 2026 Michael’s deal with Pepsi is part of that, and the film’s portrayal of the horrifying accident that befell him during the filming of a Pepsi commercial — a spark set his hair, and scalp, on fire — makes the trauma feel like an outgrowth of Joe’s karma. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 The same fate, Al-Nabi added, befell the Gezira Museum in Wad Madani following the RSF’s invasion of Gezira state. Eissa Dafallah, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026 Those two gave the Longhorns life when misfortune befell them early. Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 28 Feb. 2026 The effort was in large part a response to the catastrophe that befell Flint, Michigan, a decade ago when dangerous levels of lead leached into the city’s water supply from old lead pipes, exposing people across the city to the toxic metal. Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026 Her father’s memories Bass avoided the pitfalls that befell her father. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026 In any case, Carlson did not have the luxury of perseverating on what befell him. Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befell
Verb
  • A lot of things happened over the course of the history of baseball.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But that’s just what happened, as Arlington seized a statement 38-22 victory.
    Charles Baggarly August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Christiana Riot, also known as the Christiana Resistance, occurred in Christiana, Pennsylvania, where free Black people and escaped slaves successfully resisted a federal marshal’s raid to capture four fugitive slaves.
    USA Today, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Following the consolidation, layoffs at several properties, including Carowinds, occurred ahead of its seasonal opening last year.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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