happening 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of happeningnext
1
as in fashionable
being in the latest or current fashion those are some happening duds, man

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity the downtown theater district is a happening place this autumn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in popular
enjoying widespread favor or approval that might be a happening outfit right now, but not on a woman who'll never see 40 again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

happening

2 of 3

noun

ˈhap-niŋ How to pronounce happening (audio)
1
as in experience
an exciting or noteworthy event that one experiences firsthand the President's visit to the school was a real happening for teachers and students alike

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in event
something that happens gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend

Synonyms & Similar Words

happening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of happen
as in occurring
to take place did anything exciting happen over the summer?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 happening
Adjective
The ship is thoughtfully designed to allow for ample space so guests do not feel overcrowded, even in the most happening spots. — Susan Barnes, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025 Don’t forget to stop by the Mallmart parking lot after a Friday night football game for the most happening tailgate parties. — Jessica MacLeish, Teen Vogue, 23 Jan. 2018
Noun
The rooms are basic but come with a front-row seat to the happenings of downtown Flagstaff, including direct access to the hotel’s popular eatery and bar. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 Rreal Tacos continued its explosive growth, a local brewery released a commemorative beer available only at Six Flags and more happenings from the metro Atlanta food and dining scene. — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
But something really positive is happening too. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 June 2026 Speaking of history, Algeria likely would have advanced in the 1982 World Cup, but two teams conspired to keep that from happening. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
  1. fashionable
  2. buzzing
  3. popular
  4. experience
  5. event
  6. occurring
  7. stylish
  8. busy
Adjective
  • Queen was known for her great eye and her ability to discern what was original and fashionable.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
  • One of them, the Piscine Deligny, became one of the city’s most fashionable spots, eventually hosting swimming events for the 1900 Paris Olympics.
    — Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of fashionable
Adjective
  • Scott Usheroff The wine scene has evolved from hobby industry to a buzzing, blooming viticulture scene.
    — Kate Dingwall, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The device will completely block the ear canal and cause a low buzzing noise that makes drifting off hard.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Definition of buzzing
Adjective
  • The Dyl, made with Bayab gin, passionfruit and dill, is named after the owner’s daughter and has become a popular option on the menu.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • One popular saying suggests a knot tied on a rainy day is harder to untie.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of popular
Noun
  • For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The technology still has to prove itself on safety, but the ride experience now counts too.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Greenwood is leading a series of high-profile events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Fans from around the world attended the event, with many saying this World Cup has felt different.
    — Anna McAllister, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of event
Verb
  • But meetings as close as this one are quite rare, occurring on average once about every 40 years.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 July 2026
  • These contain a naturally occurring bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti), says Markowski.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of occurring
Adjective
  • Even a 73-year-old shopper was impressed by its stylish, comfortable fit.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
  • The culotte-style stretchy shorts are equal parts comfortable and stylish, and the high-neck top can be worn either tucked-in or down and loose.
    — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • The tribe wants to build a travel center on the land along a busy highway on Long Island.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Because Saturday is typically the busiest day for car sales, most dealerships remain open then and close on Sundays instead.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026
Definition of busy

Browse Nearby Words

happened (upon)
happening
happening (by)
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Cite this Entry

“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on happening

Nglish: Translation of happening for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about happening

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