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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Recent Examples of happenstance
Cheech and Chong’s career, like their routines, was a perfect storm of happenstance.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
In a twist of happenstance, Ballesteros’ parents, Harry and Andry, were able to make it to Wrigley for his debut.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
International recruitment went from happenstance in the ’80s to an indispensable recruitment tactic that teams across the NCAA used to keep up.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 1 Apr. 2025
That’s partly happenstance, but also because broadcasters in Norway kept ordering new shows while others in Europe applied the brakes.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
In a twist of happenstance, Ballesteros’ parents, Harry and Andry, were able to make it to Wrigley for his debut.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
International recruitment went from happenstance in the ’80s to an indispensable recruitment tactic that teams across the NCAA used to keep up.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 1 Apr. 2025
That’s partly happenstance, but also because broadcasters in Norway kept ordering new shows while others in Europe applied the brakes.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happenstance
Noun
-
This isn’t coincidence, but a direct reflection of how algorithms shape language on the internet.—
Adam Aleksic,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
By sheer coincidence, Clark starts writing articles about the moral inappropriateness of Batman’s vigilante justice.—
Will Harris,
EW.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The theatrical paradigm is slowed, extended and occasionally reversed by the circumstance.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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The schedule may be modified due to weather or other circumstances.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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