happening 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of happeningnext
1
as in fashionable
being in the latest or current fashion those are some happening duds, man

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

happening

2 of 3

noun

ˈhap-niŋ How to pronounce happening (audio)
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in event
something that happens gave a detailed account of all the happenings of the weekend

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happening

3 of 3

verb

present participle of happen
as in occurring
to take place did anything exciting happen over the summer?

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Example 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 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
Locals and visitors enjoy classic fall happenings like hayrides and pumpkin patches. — Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026 Datskovska regularly reports on must-stream cultural happenings. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
What’s happening offers a snapshot of what may be coming for many other cities, as climate change meets urban water systems built for a very different world. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 That means the only way to see what’s happening inside of these calls is to leverage AI to observe them, and to measure the right things. — Malte Kosub, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happening
  1. fashionable
  2. buzzing
  3. popular
  4. experience
  5. event
  6. occurring
  7. stylish
  8. busy
Adjective
  • This 15-room Georgian-era townhouse, tucked away in a residential street in Gardens (a fashionable neighborhood known for its restaurants, bars, and interior shops), is full of surprises.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Van Wissen and Lupker hope to expand the service to such fashionable cities as London, New York, Milan and Los Angeles, and are eyeing emerging destinations like Turkey and Morocco, too.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of fashionable
Adjective
  • All the joy and buzzing activity arose from humble beginnings.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Still, a supportive connection between the moon, Neptune and Pluto retrograde adds a deeper undercurrent to all the buzzing and socializing.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of buzzing
Adjective
  • The series is a big-budget bet for Disney+, adapting a wildly popular webtoon with around 3 billion views worldwide into a lavish romantasy series.
    — Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The nine suites sell out far in advance, especially if there's a popular event in the city, so book well ahead if your heart is set on staying here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of popular
Noun
  • With its multi-mission configuration and experience in military exercises and operational settings, Hunter WOLF will now face a further assessment of its capabilities at Camp Grafton.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Musicians often see an instrument as a physical extension of themselves and that sort of connection doesn’t always lend itself to the online shopping experience.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Forty years later, adult Calvin (Josh Hartnett) is still haunted by the event.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Each of the six main suspects get their chance to give their version of events on the day of Jodie’s death, effectively supplying their own alibis.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of event
Verb
  • The slow rate at which this is occurring indicates this cosmic vampirism will last for hundreds of thousands to billions of years.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Revealing two distinct reactions The images revealed two distinct physical reactions occurring side by side.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of occurring
Adjective
  • From stylish home upgrades and confidence-boosting beauty finds to unforgettable adventures and practical everyday essentials, these thoughtful ideas celebrate girl power in all its forms.
    — Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Overall, the new airport retains what travelers love about Burbank–small, efficient, and relatively stress-free–while adding more space, amenities, and a stylish upgrade.
    — Annita Katee, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • Erik Neander’s Oura Ring, a device that monitors heart rate and stress among other functions, had been busy in the days leading up to and during the American League Division Series against the Yankees.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Even on busy weekends, the staff are perfectly primed to welcome guests with Southern charm and efficiency.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of busy

Browse Nearby Words

happened (upon)
happening
happening (by)
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Cite this Entry

“Happening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happening. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about happening

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