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
If one cruel injury is happenstance and twice is bad luck, what’s four times before July?
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 May 2026
The earthquake occurred 18 miles west of the Humboldt County community of Petrolia, which by happenstance is the site of the first commercially successful oil well in California, drilled in 1865.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
Palou didn’t reach this place by happenstance.
—Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Picking a major can no longer be made by happenstance, nor necessarily by passion or interest.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
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Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 May 2026
The earthquake occurred 18 miles west of the Humboldt County community of Petrolia, which by happenstance is the site of the first commercially successful oil well in California, drilled in 1865.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
Palou didn’t reach this place by happenstance.
—Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Picking a major can no longer be made by happenstance, nor necessarily by passion or interest.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 May 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 29 May. 2026.
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