Synonyms and antonyms of To happen quickly or unexpectedly in British Thesaurus

turn up ()

to happen unexpectedly or by chance

spring (verb)

to happen or appear somewhere suddenly or unexpectedly

sneak up ()

if something sneaks up on you, it happens when you are not expecting it

shoot (verb)

informal to happen very suddenly and quickly

strike (verb)

if something unpleasant or dangerous strikes, or if it strikes someone or something, it happens suddenly and unexpectedly and causes harm or damage to them

supervene (verb)

very formal to happen in an unexpected way, especially in a way that brings major changes

drop/fall into/land in someone’s lap ()

to suddenly happen or be given to someone without them having to make any effort

take/catch someone by surprise ()

to happen unexpectedly

gather pace ()

to start to happen more quickly and have more success

present itself ()

if something such as an opportunity, idea, or problem presents itself, it suddenly happens

erupt (verb)

if a place erupts, there is suddenly a lot of noise as people start shouting, laughing, or fighting

fly (verb)

if time flies, it seems to pass very quickly

gallop (verb)

to move, pass, or develop very quickly

quicken (verb)

formal if something quickens, or if you quicken it, it happens or moves more quickly

whizz (verb)

informal if time whizzes by or past, it seems to pass very quickly