as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
Synonyms & Similar 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
What little that does survive from that era, including Los Angeles 1973, London 1975, Phoenix 1978, and select moments from the Born to Run and Darkness on the Edge of Town sessions, is more a product of luck and happenstance than any long-term thinking.
—
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2024
By happenstance, Carver County Community Development (CDA) approached the then-nascent board of Beyond New Beginnings with an offer.
—Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
But that mix of styles established its own happenstance logic over time.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 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
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2024
By happenstance, Carver County Community Development (CDA) approached the then-nascent board of Beyond New Beginnings with an offer.
—Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
But that mix of styles established its own happenstance logic over time.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 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
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share