as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
Related Words
Relevance
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 happenstance
The fact that the trades came so close to Trump’s announcement may have been mere happenstance, Khouw pointed out.
—
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Time will tell if the mid-major is really extinct or if these last two years were a random happenstance in a college landscape that continues to radically shift.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
The country’s very first poly-friendly city ordinance came about almost by happenstance.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
The news led Deadline to pose the question of whether happenstance means Cannes might struggle to add headline-grabbing movies this year, with several other blockbusters unlikely to screen there.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Time will tell if the mid-major is really extinct or if these last two years were a random happenstance in a college landscape that continues to radically shift.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
The country’s very first poly-friendly city ordinance came about almost by happenstance.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
The news led Deadline to pose the question of whether happenstance means Cannes might struggle to add headline-grabbing movies this year, with several other blockbusters unlikely to screen there.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happenstance
Noun
-
But sometimes your immune system simply decides to take a break right along with the rest of you—and that’s not necessarily a coincidence.—
Cassie Shortsleeve,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Parroted phrasing This is not a coincidence.—
Atom Ariola,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some of today’s most interesting films are shot on such devices, under circumstances that corroborate their all-purpose convenience and utility.—
Dennis Lim,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Desperation under dire circumstances didn’t stop the Lakers from finding their lifeline in a 112-108 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets, winning the 5-minute extra period 11-7 after a stunning comeback in the final minute of regulation.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
