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

In short, my coming to TikTok was happenstance, but my love of food has been lifelong.

From Salon

At the rally, the family ended up by happenstance in the bleachers between Trump and the shooter.

From BBC

That all changed when she went to her first “¡BAILE!” by happenstance during a night of bar hopping in Highland Park.

From Los Angeles Times

Is that something you set out to do or was it more so happenstance?

From Salon

And as for Trump himself, the filing that became public by happenstance Tuesday reveals that the grand jury in the case wanted to charge him too.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coincidence