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

Michelle is fluent in the perky command, the passive voice, the slippery non-apology, the kind of language that frames cruelty as blameless happenstance.

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And that’s pretty much how my life has been, all just happenstance.

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For Sebastián Yatra, a miracle doesn’t have to be a grandiose happenstance; it can be a child’s smile, the perfect cup of tea or rain on a sunny day.

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The initial Metro Bashers came to their hobby independently, meeting through happenstance and their shared love of the rail network.

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“It actually came to me by happenstance as our incredible prop master Phil Shea sent me a box of props some time after we had wrapped.”

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Related Words

• coincidence