as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
Related 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 happenstance
This scientists-as-writers approach came about by happenstance, Scientific American editor Gary Stix found while researching the history of the magazine.
—
Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2025
As the old saying goes: Once is happenstance, twice a coincidence, thrice a pattern.
—Literary Hub, 16 July 2025
Roberts followed with a touching story about meeting Universal’s Sid Sheinberg in 1993 by happenstance with a friend who needed to drop by Sheinberg’s house.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 June 2025
Jin, catching the fervor behind the formulas, coaxes her to speak from the heart about architecture—in a scene that emphasizes the momentous happenstance of their meeting.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2025
As the old saying goes: Once is happenstance, twice a coincidence, thrice a pattern.
—Literary Hub, 16 July 2025
Roberts followed with a touching story about meeting Universal’s Sid Sheinberg in 1993 by happenstance with a friend who needed to drop by Sheinberg’s house.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 June 2025
Jin, catching the fervor behind the formulas, coaxes her to speak from the heart about architecture—in a scene that emphasizes the momentous happenstance of their meeting.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happenstance
Noun
-
Turkey’s success in this field is no coincidence.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Metallica’s History on the Chart In another coincidence, both Master of Puppets and Ride the Lightning last appeared on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart on the list dated June 12.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This game has the power to transport you to the many, and mostly dramatic, circumstances that refugees have to go through.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Lopez described his mother, aunts, and older female cousins as elegant women whose high taste belied their humble circumstances.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share