What is the opposite of “happen”?

What is the antonym of “happen”?

The antonyms of happen are cease and stop. The antonyms cease and stop convey the idea of something coming to an end or being terminated.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

cease

To bring or come to an end; stop.

Example

The rain ceased just as we were about to leave.

stop

To come to an end; halt.

Example

Please stop talking and listen to me for a moment.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Cease implies a gradual or deliberate ending, while stop suggests an abrupt or sudden termination.
• 2. Cease is often used in formal or legal contexts, while stop is more commonly used in everyday speech.

Good things to know

• 1. In Formal Writing: Use cease instead of stop in legal or formal documents.
• 2. In Everyday Speech: Use stop when speaking informally or in casual conversations.
• 3. In News Reports: Use cease to describe the ending of a conflict or ceasefire agreement.

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Remember this!

The antonyms cease and stop both convey the idea of something coming to an end or being terminated. However, cease implies a gradual or deliberate ending, while stop suggests an abrupt or sudden termination. Use cease in formal or legal contexts and stop in everyday speech or casual conversations.