as in happens
to take place
whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 befalls
Despite growing up with the warnings of skin cancer, Gen Z is falling for the tanning craze that befalls most generations.
—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Elsewhere, an unspeakable tragedy that befalls a fellow factory worker further establishes the plight of young girls across China’s recent history.
—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
25 May 2026
When a mysterious illness befalls the king, Prince Tristan is lured into a dangerous quest, while his younger brother William — neurodivergent and non-verbal — uncovers the plot at home.
—
Anthony D'alessandro,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
But perhaps the biggest tragedy that befalls many bands is growing apart.
—
Katie Gavin,
Time,
8 May 2026
There’s a segment of the audience that practically swoons when good news befalls some of the cast at the end of the play.
—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
The family soon joins a group of ravers in a journey across the Sahara Desert, where surreal tragedy after surreal tragedy befalls them.
—
Emily Zemler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Tragedy befalls fishing town Paul Lundberg, Gloucester’s mayor, said the names of those on the Lily Jean would be added to a city memorial honoring thousands of fishermen who have been lost at sea over the years.
—
Michael Casey,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Feb. 2026
The same fate befalls the HAKOS Astro Guest Farm, a remote mountainous escape for amateur astronomers.
—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Elsewhere, an unspeakable tragedy that befalls a fellow factory worker further establishes the plight of young girls across China’s recent history.
—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
25 May 2026
When a mysterious illness befalls the king, Prince Tristan is lured into a dangerous quest, while his younger brother William — neurodivergent and non-verbal — uncovers the plot at home.
—
Anthony D'alessandro,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
But perhaps the biggest tragedy that befalls many bands is growing apart.
—
Katie Gavin,
Time,
8 May 2026
There’s a segment of the audience that practically swoons when good news befalls some of the cast at the end of the play.
—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
The family soon joins a group of ravers in a journey across the Sahara Desert, where surreal tragedy after surreal tragedy befalls them.
—
Emily Zemler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Tragedy befalls fishing town Paul Lundberg, Gloucester’s mayor, said the names of those on the Lily Jean would be added to a city memorial honoring thousands of fishermen who have been lost at sea over the years.
—
Michael Casey,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Feb. 2026
The same fate befalls the HAKOS Astro Guest Farm, a remote mountainous escape for amateur astronomers.
—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befalls
Verb
-
This typically happens because navigating the conflict proves that the relationship is resilient and can withstand the realities of the human experience.
-
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
Verb
-
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.
-
The most severe risk is heat stroke, which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails entirely, potentially driving core body temperatures to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within minutes.
Cite this Entry
“Befalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalls. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
