harken

verb

as in to listen
to pay attention especially through the act of hearing young people would do well to read this wise and witty book and harken to its message

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of harken The piece of the puzzle that clicks into place this episode harkens back to Hal’s childhood. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026 This piece from Josh Johnson about New Jersey councilman and former hitman John Alite harkened back to that format. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 His idiosyncratic movement style combines classical ballet, modern dance and emphatic physical theater, harkening back to his early training in Chicago with Sybil Shearer. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 Conceptually, Zero Zero’s sauces each pay homage to a specific region in Italy, harkening upon Midwestern offerings and Italian inspiration. — Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for harken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harken
  1. listen
  2. hear
Verb
  • In 1985 two young men in Nevada shot themselves after a night of drinking, smoking marijuana, and listening to the band’s music; one of the men survived for a few more years but was severely disfigured.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Watch Duty does pull information from official sources but also relies on staff and volunteers to listen to radios, monitor satellite data and analyze announcements from emergency departments to provide additional context.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of listen
Verb
  • While not guaranteed, the appeal is likely to be taken back up by the same three-judge appellate panel who previously heard — and rejected — the administration’s emergency request to block state officials from counting the ballots.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Much of the lineup is classic country—think Western swing, rockabilly and oldies—without any of the rock and pop heard nearby on Lower Broad.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of hear

Phrases Containing harken

Browse Nearby Words

harked (to)
harken
harken back (to)
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Cite this Entry

“Harken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harken. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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