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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Recent Examples of harken
The simple, relaxed pace of the island harkens back to a version of Florida that has been lost to development.
—
Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
That almost harkens back to the days.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
By contrast some of the best songs harken back to earlier eras of Charli’s discography.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2026
Downstairs, meanwhile, the couple has created an entertainment parlor complete with a billiards room and a pub-style wet bar that harkens back to their Irish and British heritage.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harken
Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
That almost harkens back to the days.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
By contrast some of the best songs harken back to earlier eras of Charli’s discography.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2026
Downstairs, meanwhile, the couple has created an entertainment parlor complete with a billiards room and a pub-style wet bar that harkens back to their Irish and British heritage.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harken
Verb
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Look at weather apps and listen to forecasters for information about the UV index, heat warnings, and the feels-like temperature.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
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Now, people come from all over to play in the fountain, listen to live music, take selfies at The Bean.—
Mary Schmich,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Across the Houston area, residents described hearing a low, rumbling sound that many compared to thunder, even though the skies were clear, according to CBS affiliate KHOU.—
Kierra Frazier,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
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Which is exactly what Golden wants to hear.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harken. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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