Synonyms for
Happened
Definition
To take place or occur.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- what happened
- happened to be
- happened next
- happened then
- happened suddenly
- happened yesterday
- happened to
- it happened that
Word family
Usage note
The past tense 'happened' is often used in passive constructions like 'it happened that...' or to describe an event that occurred. It is generally neutral in register.
Example sentences
- It happened yesterday when I was walking to school.
- I don't know what happened to my pencil.
- I hope nothing bad happens on our trip.
- It's important to know what happened before making a decision.
- The accident happened because the driver was not paying attention.
Quotes
“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” – Marilyn Monroe
“You never know what's around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you've climbed a mountain.” – Tom Hiddleston
“One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.” – Sigmund Freud