happening
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for happening, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An event or occurrence, especially something unusual or notable.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From happen plus the suffix -ing.
Full origin of happening →Frequently asked questions
What does “happening” mean?
The word “happening” means an event or occurrence, especially something unusual or notable. In plain terms, as a noun, an event; as an informal adjective, trendy and lively.
How do you pronounce “happening”?
“Happening” is pronounced HA-pih-nihng (/ˈhæpɪnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “happening” in a sentence?
Here is “happening” used in a sentence: “Strange happenings were reported near the old mill.”
What part of speech is “happening”?
Depending on how it is used, “happening” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “happening” a common word?
“Happening” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “happening” have?
“Happening” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an event or occurrence, especially something unusual or notable.
What is the difference between a happening and an event?
They are close synonyms, but event is neutral and can be planned or formal, like a wedding or conference. A happening sounds more informal and often suggests something spontaneous, unusual, or noteworthy. In art, a happening also names a form of unplanned performance that became popular in the 1960s.
What is an example of a happening?
A sudden street performance drawing a crowd, an unexpected reunion between old friends, or a strange event no one can quite explain could all be called happenings. The word tends to suit occurrences that stand out as unusual or memorable rather than routine, predictable daily activities.
Is happening formal or informal?
As a noun meaning an event, happening is fairly informal and a little dated, more common in casual speech than formal writing, where event, occurrence, or incident are preferred. As an adjective, happening can also mean lively or fashionable, as in a happening place or a happening scene.