as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of happenstance
But, honestly, nothing about this show has been happenstance.
—
Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
Expand All The Boise Fire Department got a jumpstart on rescue operations Wednesday at a fatal building collapse that killed three and critically injured five near the Boise Airport thanks to a bit of happenstance.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2025
The idea for the trip started with a twist of happenstance.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025
In a moment of happenstance, The Bachelor franchise alums Joey Graziadei and Jenn Tran, who starred as the titular bachelor and bachelorette on 2024's renditions of the dating show, ended up sharing a dance in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom.
—EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
Expand All The Boise Fire Department got a jumpstart on rescue operations Wednesday at a fatal building collapse that killed three and critically injured five near the Boise Airport thanks to a bit of happenstance.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2025
The idea for the trip started with a twist of happenstance.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025
In a moment of happenstance, The Bachelor franchise alums Joey Graziadei and Jenn Tran, who starred as the titular bachelor and bachelorette on 2024's renditions of the dating show, ended up sharing a dance in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom.
—EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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