Find Synonyms

befall Synonyms

Another word for befall

Choosing another word for befall depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To happen to someone or something (especially of a misfortune, calamity, or bad luck).

Usage Example

"The historians documented the terrible economic crisis that befell the region during the drought."

Strong
overtake
strike
betide
afflict
Weak
beset

• verb (Context 2)

To come to pass or take place; to happen or occur.

Usage Example

"The travelers promised to stay in touch no matter what might happen on their long journey."

Strongest
happen
occur
Strong
transpire
come about
take place
ensue
arise

Opposites of befall

The opposite of befall shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

spare
See all opposites of befall

• Nearby Words

beet
beetle
beetroot
befall
befit
befitting
befittingly

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Befall. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/befall
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