1
as in event
something that happens
we must make the best of both the good and the bad haps of life
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in luck
the uncertain course of events
by hap and circumstance, he ended up as a cartoonist in New York
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to happen
to take place
what wondrous events hath happed this Christmas Day?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hap
Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
Looking for a slice of hap-Pi-ness?
—Allison Kiehl, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2026
Check out his latest artwork, photos and adventures from the past, and current haps on his website Cory Richards Dot Com.
—Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2025
The stars of 1989's hap-hap-happiest holiday comedy have kept busy since that dysfunctional dinner.
—Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024
The company didn’t appear close to understanding the nature of the universe, but per haps that’s coming.
—Zoë Schiffer, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024
With an optical band hap of about 1.74 eV, the perovskite cell demonstrated a power conversion efficiency of 17 percent on its own.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2016
Noun
One false move can lead to trouble, and it hap-pens sooner or later to just about everybody who handles these reptiles.
—Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
Looking for a slice of hap-Pi-ness?
—Allison Kiehl, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2026
Check out his latest artwork, photos and adventures from the past, and current haps on his website Cory Richards Dot Com.
—Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2025
The stars of 1989's hap-hap-happiest holiday comedy have kept busy since that dysfunctional dinner.
—Madeline Boardman, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024
The company didn’t appear close to understanding the nature of the universe, but per haps that’s coming.
—Zoë Schiffer, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024
With an optical band hap of about 1.74 eV, the perovskite cell demonstrated a power conversion efficiency of 17 percent on its own.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 Jan. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hap
Verb
-
When the February attack happened, the pair were engaged in nuclear discussions.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
This happened with the shooting at NFL headquarters in New York City, when Charlie Kirk was assassinated, and to a lesser extent, with the recent incident at the White House Correspondents dinner.—
Lorena O’Neil,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
In other words, there was a gap in the market.—
Brian Seibert,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
-
There are over 40 colors to choose from, although the prices vary by color and design.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hap. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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