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
The answer would hinge on whether the courts saw northern segregation as de jure (resulting from state action) or de facto (resulting from happenstance).
—
Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Feb. 2025
Yet in my experience, growth doesn’t come by luck or happenstance.
—Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
By happenstance, a Quarterra Multifamily affiliate sold another big apartment complex at a nearby downtown Oakland location about a month earlier in December — also at a price that hinted at weakening values.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Schumer has opened up a number of times about her health conditions, including her happenstance Cushing syndrome diagnosis.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Feb. 2025
Yet in my experience, growth doesn’t come by luck or happenstance.
—Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
By happenstance, a Quarterra Multifamily affiliate sold another big apartment complex at a nearby downtown Oakland location about a month earlier in December — also at a price that hinted at weakening values.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Schumer has opened up a number of times about her health conditions, including her happenstance Cushing syndrome diagnosis.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for happenstance
Cite this Entry
“Happenstance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happenstance. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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