harkened

past tense of harken
as in listened
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 harkened 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 The off-the-shoulder sleeves harkened to a slight Victorian era style, with a voluminous design and gravity-defying appearance. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026 Young has harkened back to the historically bad Tigers team during this run. — Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The intimate gathering — a salon of sorts — harkened back to Steinem’s history of organizing women like this. — Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 Superintendent Yvonne Stokes said the idea to provide lunches for students, who can’t be in school because of the ongoing power outage, harkened back to the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 Although the look’s pink color is synonymous with Glinda, the gingham harkened back to the blue apron dress that Judy Garland wore as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 31 July 2026 Disney’s 20th Century label harkened back to a beloved tale in which a Devil Wears Prada. — Adam Aron, Variety, 29 July 2026 Moise harkened it to 2010, when at least nine candidates were vying to succeed Meek in Congress. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harkened
Verb
  • Furthermore, the Chinese president listened to music provided by the Air Force Band, including both the American and Chinese national anthems, and witnessed a flyover by two B-1 bombers.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2026
  • There are plenty of people who have never listened to country radio who are finding it through pop radio or social media or word of mouth or even through Drake’s languid remake featuring Don Toliver (though Langley’s cameo is now out of the video).
    — Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Robin’s younger sister Riverley heard the commotion and ran for help.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Put the right people at the table—and let their voices be heard.
    — Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Harkened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harkened. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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