as in happening
to take place
whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of befalling
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
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
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While the Super Bowl halftime show is happening on NBC and Peacock, Turning Point USA is hosting an alternative halftime show for viewers at home.—
Maria Francis,
Oklahoman,
8 Feb. 2026
-
That difference — that scissor that is happening in the sled — is what gives you steering.—
Jayson Jenks,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Also not yet fully understood are the interactions with naturally occurring planetary waves and atmospheric cycles such as the Arctic Oscillation and the El Niño Southern Oscillation.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalling. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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