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Definition of happenstance

happenstance

/ˈhæp.ən.stæns/
hap · pen · stance
Plural:happenstances
•
Adjective:happenstantial
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happenstance Lexical Profile

happenstance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A coincidence or a circumstance that occurs purely by chance rather than by design.

Example

"By pure happenstance, the two former classmates booked seats on the exact same flight to Tokyo."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

haplessly
happen
happening
happenstance
happily
happiness
happy

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 19th-century American English as a blend (portmanteau) of 'happen' and 'circumstance'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Happenstance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/happenstance
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