happenstance

noun

hap·​pen·​stance ˈha-pən-ˌstan(t)s How to pronounce happenstance (audio)
ˈha-pᵊm-
: a circumstance especially that is due to chance
They came together by mere happenstance.
happenstance adjective

Examples of happenstance in a Sentence

Our meeting was pure happenstance. We met each other by happenstance. It was an agreeable happenstance that we met.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
On this topic, other uses dug up some of these pictures that were less than well-reviewed: The rationale here, on some level at least, appears to be trying to discount him winning Best Actor as more of a piece of happenstance, rather than consistent talent. Callum Booth, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Their friendship also started out of happenstance. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025 But, honestly, nothing about this show has been happenstance. Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025 Wells was not in Memphis, by happenstance, when her editorial was published. Amy Gais / Made By History, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for happenstance

Word History

Etymology

happen + circumstance

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of happenstance was in 1857

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Cite this Entry

“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happenstance. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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