happens

Definition of happensnext
present tense third-person singular of happen

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 happens India is the planet’s third-biggest climate polluter and what happens here affects everyone. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026 So whatever happens in their next game, Thiesse will become the first American woman ever to win a curling medal. Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Feb. 2026 What happens when Trump gets announced as the winner? Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2026 But brand protection is only one reason this happens. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026 Whatever happens is going to happen. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026 Once that happens, the PUCT’s regulatory process will begin, including notices being mailed to landowners who could be directly impacted. Lana Ferguson, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026 Those would impose most of the burden on Arizona and its Lower Basin neighbors and are silent on the question of what happens if the Upper Basin falls out of compliance with the compact. Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 3 Feb. 2026 When this happens, visibilities frequently drop to one-quarter of a mile or less. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happens
Verb
  • The department said there are no press briefings scheduled at this time, but noted a press conference would be called if a significant development occurs.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The AirFish harnesses the ground effect, which occurs when air becomes compressed between a wing and a surface, producing lift and reducing drag.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There is no efficient transport of material in-and-out of the core, and thus, most of the star’s interior never gets a chance to fuse simply because of its location.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
  • While there is broad agreement that the nine-member presidential council should step aside after failing to make headway against gangs or oversee the organization of elections, consensus has broken down over what and who should replace it.
    JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • His appearance in court comes three months after Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old from Titusville, was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon in November while on a family vacation.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Today, less than three years after a teenager shot him six times, the music still comes.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • So, what does a 127-year-old wine taste like?
    Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Ward and Ausere said UConn does a great job supporting the club, helping pay for rigs, jumps and wind tunnel time.
    Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Happens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happens. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on happens

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!