happenstance
noun
hap·pen·stance
ˈha-pən-ˌstan(t)s 
ˈha-pᵊm-
: a circumstance especially that is due to chance
They came together by mere happenstance.
happenstance
adjective
Examples of happenstance in a Sentence
Our meeting was pure happenstance.
We met each other by happenstance.
It was an agreeable happenstance that we met.
Recent Examples on the Web
Others learned only by happenstance.
—
Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026
Savannah Guthrie’s ties to Tucson Savannah Guthrie was born in Australia, a happenstance because her father was working for a mining company there.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
But Haiti didn’t become this way by happenstance.
—Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
If their introduction to winter sports was happenstance, their path to becoming world-class athletes was not.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
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Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026
Savannah Guthrie’s ties to Tucson Savannah Guthrie was born in Australia, a happenstance because her father was working for a mining company there.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 4 Feb. 2026
But Haiti didn’t become this way by happenstance.
—Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
If their introduction to winter sports was happenstance, their path to becoming world-class athletes was not.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happenstance. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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