as in listening
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 harkening
The Tonight Show really Tonight Show’d off, harkening back to the Carson days with both stand-up and magic making appearances in the lineup.
—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
Steven Spielberg is sometimes unfairly tagged as the ultimate Boomer, repeatedly harkening back to the entertainment that spellbound him in his youth.
—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
Each space boasts exposed brick and timbered ceilings, harkening to the industrial construction of the 19th-century building.
—
Matt Kirouac,
Midwest Living,
7 June 2026
That, married with orchestra and Mando’s bass recorder, is a sound harkening back to his days as a producer for Childish Gambino (Donald Glover’s musical stage name).
—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
23 May 2026
The joy of family travel and a beach day create an unforgettable experience, harkening back to the golden era of California and the vibrant pulse of the city.
—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
23 May 2026
Civil rights activists and Democratic lawmakers have said the redistricting dilutes the voting power of Black voters, harkening back to the south's history before the movement for civil rights.
—
Larry Kaplow,
NPR,
9 May 2026
But, harkening to the indie roots of the filmmakers, there is a creative spin to the proceedings.
—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
The Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park on May 2 will feature a variety of activities harkening back to the area’s early residents, including Native American and Folklorico dancing, charro horse riding and roping demonstrations.
—
Heather McRea,
Oc Register,
29 Apr. 2026
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
Steven Spielberg is sometimes unfairly tagged as the ultimate Boomer, repeatedly harkening back to the entertainment that spellbound him in his youth.
—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
Each space boasts exposed brick and timbered ceilings, harkening to the industrial construction of the 19th-century building.
—
Matt Kirouac,
Midwest Living,
7 June 2026
That, married with orchestra and Mando’s bass recorder, is a sound harkening back to his days as a producer for Childish Gambino (Donald Glover’s musical stage name).
—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
23 May 2026
The joy of family travel and a beach day create an unforgettable experience, harkening back to the golden era of California and the vibrant pulse of the city.
—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
23 May 2026
Civil rights activists and Democratic lawmakers have said the redistricting dilutes the voting power of Black voters, harkening back to the south's history before the movement for civil rights.
—
Larry Kaplow,
NPR,
9 May 2026
But, harkening to the indie roots of the filmmakers, there is a creative spin to the proceedings.
—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
The Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park on May 2 will feature a variety of activities harkening back to the area’s early residents, including Native American and Folklorico dancing, charro horse riding and roping demonstrations.
—
Heather McRea,
Oc Register,
29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harkening
Verb
-
One of his sons, True, has become an unlikely but trusted source of feedback, spending months listening to early versions of the album during school drop-offs and car rides.
-
That’s why the team is listening to offers for 24-year-old RFA Braden Schneider.
Verb
-
For years now, womenswear designers have been delivering us long, thin (and often useless) scarves—harking all the way back to early-aughts Chloé and Marc Jacobs days, when boho-chic ruled the runways.
Cite this Entry
“Harkening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harkening. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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