1
as in fashionable
being in the latest or current fashion
those are some happening duds, man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
the downtown theater district is a happening place this autumn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in popular
enjoying widespread favor or approval
that might be a happening outfit right now, but not on a woman who'll never see 40 again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in experience
an exciting or noteworthy event that one experiences firsthand
the President's visit to the school was a real happening for teachers and students alike
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in event
something that happens
gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in occurring
to take place
did anything exciting happen over the summer?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of happening
Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
The owners of popular local bakeries and ice cream shops announced their first new concept in seven years, several pizza restaurants received favorable reviews and more of this week’s happenings on the metro Atlanta restaurant scene.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 23 May 2026
Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Therapy can help prevent that from happening.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Adjective
What was once a sleepy college town next to a railroad stop is now one of the most happening cities in the state of Texas.
—Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018
In any case, these days, the most happening stuff is often happening between the floats.
—NOLA.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Noun
This weekend’s events are just a few of numerous happenings in Redwood City in the next few months.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
The owners of popular local bakeries and ice cream shops announced their first new concept in seven years, several pizza restaurants received favorable reviews and more of this week’s happenings on the metro Atlanta restaurant scene.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 23 May 2026
Verb
There's a lot of queerness happening.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Therapy can help prevent that from happening.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
Adjective
-
To truly put your most fashionable foot forward, spring for the splurge-worthy Rag & Bone Emilee Ballet Sneakers—the on-trend sneakerinas are now over $100 off.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
2 June 2026
-
This is an island that attracts a fashionable globetrotting crowd, and loyal St Regis fans—arguably one in the same.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
The town's main thoroughfare, Anderson Avenue, is home to a buzzing variety of bars, restaurants, and shops.—
Dobrina Zhekova,
Travel + Leisure,
19 May 2026
-
Along my walkway and all over my neighborhood, nasturtium flowers are opening like bright orange suns, fragrant lavender is attracting buzzing bees, and rosemary bushes are beginning to brighten with baby blue flowers.—
Senior Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
The astronomers’ goal is to get more accurate science into popular culture.—
Alexandra Oliva
June 1,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
They were recruited via a popular online research aid website known as CloudResearch and paid $100 each for participating in and completing the study.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
For a more exclusive experience, book the Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach Stopover that lands right on the shore for a picnic and swim.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Andriy Sirko, the chief neurosurgeon at Mechnikov, told me that no hospital in the world has more experience operating on patients with penetrating brain injuries: Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, his staff has performed roughly 2,500 such surgeries.—
Martha Raddatz,
The Atlantic,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Da Messina’s Annunciation famously excises the angel Gabriel, while Ghirri’s version further edits the event by also obscuring the Virgin herself.—
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The hotel occupies 12 floors of a 42-story tower, offering 277 guest rooms and suites along with 15,000 square feet of event space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Beyond all of this is the unrealized potential of creating an infrastructure dedicated to space launches occurring hours apart instead of months, hosting a payload of hundreds of tonnes in one go at costs estimated at $60 per pound by 2035.—
David Szondy
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2026
-
In other words, menopause is occurring against the backdrop of modern life rather than separately from it.—
Meggen Harris,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Round it out with a stylish Béis belt bag to keep airport essentials close at hand, leaving you no excuse to hold up security, knowing the coveted carry is just under $30.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
-
Zaya Wade is one stylish teenager!—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
But he's benefited from his busy daily workload and a lifetime of abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, said his physician, Sean Barbabella.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
-
That could have included a certain population size within three miles, a certain demographic target nearby, a maximum of 2,500 square feet on a single floor, located on a busy intersection, with a minimum number of locations per market, etc.—
George Deeb,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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