as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of happenstance
The answer would hinge on whether the courts saw northern segregation as de jure (resulting from state action) or de facto (resulting from happenstance).
—
Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Feb. 2025
Yet in my experience, growth doesn’t come by luck or happenstance.
—Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
By happenstance, a Quarterra Multifamily affiliate sold another big apartment complex at a nearby downtown Oakland location about a month earlier in December — also at a price that hinted at weakening values.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Schumer has opened up a number of times about her health conditions, including her happenstance Cushing syndrome diagnosis.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Feb. 2025
Yet in my experience, growth doesn’t come by luck or happenstance.
—Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
By happenstance, a Quarterra Multifamily affiliate sold another big apartment complex at a nearby downtown Oakland location about a month earlier in December — also at a price that hinted at weakening values.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Schumer has opened up a number of times about her health conditions, including her happenstance Cushing syndrome diagnosis.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happenstance
Noun
-
For other countries, this coincidence of self-interest and multilateralism—previously a defining characteristic of U.S. hegemony—is vital for sustaining international cooperation.—
Ngaire Woods,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
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By coincidence, 2025 is the year of the Giubileo, or the Vatican's Jubilee, a period lasting from late December of last year into the first days of 2026 that is meant to draw Catholics from around the world for an endless sequence of religious ceremonies, conferences and concerts.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Aside from the Signal scandal, Hegseth is scrambling to deal with the fallout from the recent departure of four senior Pentagon appointees under murky circumstances.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2025
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Following Prince’s death, there was a two-year investigation into the circumstances around his untimely passing.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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