harken

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 Disney’s 20th Century label harkened back to a beloved tale in which a Devil Wears Prada. Adam Aron, Variety, 29 July 2026 Wasserman also harkened back to the 1984 Los Angeles Games, when Mayor Tom Bradley prohibited delivery trucks during peak daytime hours. Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026 The styling had a distinctly ’90s feel, harkening back to the workout bodysuits of yore and the decade’s playful experimentation with color. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 The king’s role harkens back to a time when the monarch exercised supreme power and chose a prime minister to run the government. Jill Lawless, Fortune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for harken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harken
Verb
  • Lai was also seen donning a flak jacket, listening to briefings and issuing instructions during the drill.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Brands should be listening to athletes to ensure the relationship feels authentic and impactful to everyone — athletes themselves and the fans.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Around that time, multiple officers fired stun guns — the electric shocks of which could be heard lasting about four or five seconds.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In hearing their stories, Knopf came to realize that none had ever really learned how to teach children to read.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Harken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harken. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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