as in happening
to take place
whatever befalls, we'll make the best of it and carry on
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Recent Examples of befalling
The problem befalling many a meatball sub is the roll.
—
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Achilles ruptures also decimated the 2025 NBA playoffs, befalling stars such as Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and then-Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard, who now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers.
—Matt Villano, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025
But researchers can advance the potential for new and beneficial drugs while legislators help prevent such tragedies from befalling other families.
—David Kroll, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2025
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Achilles ruptures also decimated the 2025 NBA playoffs, befalling stars such as Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and then-Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard, who now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers.
—Matt Villano, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025
But researchers can advance the potential for new and beneficial drugs while legislators help prevent such tragedies from befalling other families.
—David Kroll, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for befalling
Verb
-
Though such meetings between rulers have been happening for centuries, they have been formalized in the modern era, and contemporary state visits usually follow a predictable pattern.—
Erin Vanderhoof,
Vanity Fair,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The event, happening through April 27, is the ideal time to invest in high-quality seasonal bedding thanks to the thousands of discounts on comforters, quilts, sheets, and pillows.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This naturally occurring element is inescapable, but there are simple ways to decrease the risks.—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Inside, guests milled about on multiple levels where pre-dinner receptions were occurring.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Befalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/befalling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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