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 The county’s voting patterns have long been seen as a indicator of what will happen in Texas and national elections. — Maven Navarro updated August 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026 If that happens, matching his 480 rushing yards and nine touchdowns could be in jeopardy. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 Still happening, Ridley Scott says, and with Michael Fassbender’s David at the center. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 From tributes continuing across Hollywood and the Golden State in remembrance of the iconic Dolly Parton to the Los Angeles area getting ready for Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Music Festival, there’s a lot happening across California. — Kat Filardi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happen
  1. occur
  2. come
  3. be
  4. do
Verb
  • Further east in Louisiana, a storm surge of 1 to 3 feet could occur eastward toward Morgan City.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The funding bill passed by a 90-6 vote in the Senate, showing that lawmakers from both political parties want to avoid a repeat of the two historic shutdowns that occurred this past year.
    — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of occur
Verb
  • And with players in major European leagues still able to depart their clubs beyond the deadline, there is potential for big deals to still be done in the coming days.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The big hits didn’t come all night for the Sox in a 6-3 loss in front of 21,236 at Daikin Park.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of come
Verb
  • There was no catching the Redhawks on this night with Hayes playing like a world-beater.
    — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While crude oil can be carried via pipeline–perhaps from oil producers in the Persian Gulf to ports on the western side of the Arabian Peninsula–gas can’t, meaning there are no alternative routes to get LNG to Asia if Hormuz is blocked.
    — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of be
Verb
  • As Korean growth picks up, President Lee Jae Myung could be excused for thinking his job as an economic reformer is done.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Quarterback Jack Strand made the Atlanta Falcons’ initial 53-man roster Sunday, and running back Tyler Goodson did not.
    — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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