happenstance

[hap-uhn-stans]

noun

1. a chance happening happen or event.

happenstance

/ ˈhæpənˌstæns /

noun

1. chance

2. a chance occurrence

Word History and Origins

Origin of happenstance¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; happen + (circum)stance

Example Sentences

One day, whether through happenstance, the hands on the clock, the phases of the moon, or some secret primordial plan, the moment comes when it is finally ready to sprout.

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Was it no more than happenstance that she had ended up at Ashton Place, governess to the Incorrigibles?

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For, no matter where fate, happenstance, or wanderlust might carry her, Penelope was a Swanburne girl, through and through.

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Many of Burns’ works do, purely by happenstance.

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Newsom possessed the air of a politician running for president at the boisterous rally, a possibility the California governor says he is considering — and the location he chose was not happenstance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coincidence