as in coincidence
formal + literary
something that happens by chance
Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance.
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Recent Examples of happenstance
But a moment like that — much like a career such as Dudamel’s — doesn’t occur by happenstance or without purpose.
—
Leila Cobo, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for happenstance 
Leila Cobo, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024
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
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 27 Dec. 2024.
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