as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of happenstance
And yet, Sanchez – who is far from an avian enthusiast – snapped the photographs entirely by happenstance while visiting an Oregon state park.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 2 May 2024
At Elyse Walker in June, six acquaintances arrive separately, seemingly by happenstance, but end up shopping as an amoebic unit, undulating around the store while discussing Citizens jeans and a Johanna Ortiz blouse with a clay geometric pattern.
—Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2024
The Court should be venerated not because of the happenstance of personalities or ideological persuasion but because of its pivotal institutional role in the Constitution’s separation of powers in checking government abuses and saluting liberty as the glory of the United States.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2024
If fewer of Cooper’s tricks to escape — which serve as the film’s set pieces — came by way of convenient happenstance, Trap might work a bit better as a straight thriller about a predator becoming prey.
—Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 3 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for happenstance 
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 2 May 2024
At Elyse Walker in June, six acquaintances arrive separately, seemingly by happenstance, but end up shopping as an amoebic unit, undulating around the store while discussing Citizens jeans and a Johanna Ortiz blouse with a clay geometric pattern.
—Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2024
The Court should be venerated not because of the happenstance of personalities or ideological persuasion but because of its pivotal institutional role in the Constitution’s separation of powers in checking government abuses and saluting liberty as the glory of the United States.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2024
If fewer of Cooper’s tricks to escape — which serve as the film’s set pieces — came by way of convenient happenstance, Trap might work a bit better as a straight thriller about a predator becoming prey.
—Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 3 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for happenstance
Thesaurus Entries Near happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share