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

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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
Waco was already a happening place before the Gaines began remodeling homes. — Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 16 Feb. 2018 In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats. — NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Noun
Other notable happenings include the Johnstown PolkaFest, an annual two-day music festival, and events celebrating diversity, the arts, and agriculture. — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025 And two, what are the effects of all the happenings of episode 8 on the bunker and somebody having publicly left the bunker and opened the doors and gone out there? — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2025 My brother, Alan, saw what was happening. — Angela Andaloro, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
  1. fashionable
  2. popular
  3. experience
  4. event
  5. occurring
  6. stylish
  7. busy
  8. favorite
Adjective
  • In the pantheon of fashionable patterns, one would be forgiven for overlooking plaid.
    — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
  • In President Donald Trump’s idealized framing, the United States was at its zenith in the 1890s, when top hats and shirtwaists were fashionable and typhoid fever often killed more soldiers than combat.
    — Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of fashionable
Adjective
  • More recently, popular R&B star Usher has launched his own franchises in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.
    — Shimite Obialo, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • And yes, YouTube says that platform proved particularly popular during weekday working hours, with multiview not currently available on laptop and web interfaces.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of popular
Noun
  • Why put yourself through these frightening experiences?
    — Jenelle Riley, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In a voice-over, one producer claimed that only men agreed to share their experience with the disgraced actor.
    — Esther Kang, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of experience
Noun
  • These events are all part of the changing world order, a critical concept of vital importance.
    — Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Such violent celestial events may have left a clue in ancient rocks in the form of a rare element.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of event
Verb
  • From the outside looking in, the optics aren’t great with the constant back-and-forth suggesting the opposite is occurring.
    — Evan Sidery, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • There could be rainfall moving in during the evening and occurring in the hours leading up to the ball drop.
    — Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
Definition of occurring
Adjective
  • Beyond its stylish design and expert craftsmanship, the home is built for comfort.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The star’s casual looks always find the right balance between stylish and functional.
    — Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • Half of the shark detections occurred during the day, a time when beaches are typically busy with human activity.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • His eyes widen, a grin breaks out across his face, and for a second, Graham looks like a cross between a kid on Christmas morning and the world’s busiest man finally catching his breath.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of busy
Adjective
  • Coffee lovers will need to double-check the label of their favorite morning pick-me-up beverage.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Best of all, this matching set comes in a variety of fun colors, including khaki and my favorite, hot pink.
    — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of favorite

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 31 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of happening for Spanish Speakers

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