happenstance
noun
hap·pen·stance
ˈha-pən-ˌstan(t)s 
ˈha-pᵊm-
: a circumstance especially that is due to chance
They came together by mere happenstance.
happenstance
adjective
Examples of happenstance in a Sentence
Our meeting was pure happenstance.
We met each other by happenstance.
It was an agreeable happenstance that we met.
Recent Examples on the Web
But the love interests in these movies are usually rich by happenstance.
—
Eliana Dockterman, Time, 6 May 2025
Trained as a percussionist, Englander came to the instrument by happenstance.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The cut gained notoriety at the time of its release as well as commercial success, and it was revived decades later by happenstance.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
By happenstance, Christy had shared a cell with Kurt Lidtke, a disgraced art dealer whom the FBI said was imprisoned for selling his clients’ works without paying them proceeds.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
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.
Eliana Dockterman, Time, 6 May 2025
Trained as a percussionist, Englander came to the instrument by happenstance.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The cut gained notoriety at the time of its release as well as commercial success, and it was revived decades later by happenstance.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
By happenstance, Christy had shared a cell with Kurt Lidtke, a disgraced art dealer whom the FBI said was imprisoned for selling his clients’ works without paying them proceeds.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happenstance. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share