as in used
to put into action or service
huge dams harness the power of water to produce electricity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 harnessed
Collective and creative problem solving can only be harnessed by leaders who put ego aside and are open to feedback.
—
Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
City Women, too, have harnessed the power of the dead ball to lift silverware.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Is technology intrinsically bad, or can it be harnessed for progressive ends?
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
Instead of uniformly spreading across the face, it can be harnessed as a precise and targeted treatment, spread directly on areas of concern.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 25 May 2026
Technology may be part of the problem, but its immense power can be harnessed to create a solution.
—Nathalie Japkowicz, The Conversation, 18 May 2026
Light energy harnessed in the real world was now playing through the radio of his car in the dream world in the form of melodious static that lulled him either to sleep soundly or to be sound asleep.
—Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
In addition, this technology could be harnessed to synthesize fertilizer from atmospheric nitrogen, offering a sustainable path for industrial production and energy harvesting.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
When used correctly, that power can be harnessed for good, heightening the citrus fruit’s bright, piercing notes to soaring new heights.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
City Women, too, have harnessed the power of the dead ball to lift silverware.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Is technology intrinsically bad, or can it be harnessed for progressive ends?
—Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
Instead of uniformly spreading across the face, it can be harnessed as a precise and targeted treatment, spread directly on areas of concern.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 25 May 2026
Technology may be part of the problem, but its immense power can be harnessed to create a solution.
—Nathalie Japkowicz, The Conversation, 18 May 2026
Light energy harnessed in the real world was now playing through the radio of his car in the dream world in the form of melodious static that lulled him either to sleep soundly or to be sound asleep.
—Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
In addition, this technology could be harnessed to synthesize fertilizer from atmospheric nitrogen, offering a sustainable path for industrial production and energy harvesting.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
When used correctly, that power can be harnessed for good, heightening the citrus fruit’s bright, piercing notes to soaring new heights.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harnessed
Verb
-
The Washington Nationals used Richard Lovelady, who blew Monday’s series opener, as an opener, followed by veteran Miles Mikolas for a bulk appearance, their most promising combination given their roster construction and arms available.—
Danielle Allentuck,
Washington Post,
3 June 2026
-
Beyond the glass wall is a long wooden deck with a small dining table and a full-sized day bed (which can also be used for sleeping at night).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The way in which the detection is utilized is what makes things troubling.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
There is some inaccurate information on how these cameras are being utilized.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Discipline visible in advance is easier to defend than discipline applied in crisis.—
Ali Aydan,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
The early ceasefires forged with some of the biggest Colombian rebel factions have largely broken down — and even when those ceasefires were in place, the criminal organizations exploited the pause in hostilities to go after each other in the hope of capturing more territory and resources.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
-
The vitality of her language, its frolicsome dance with personification, communicates its own resistance in the face of an indifferent world, exploited by imperialist greed and barbaric, militant might.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
Vulture,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Strauss, who killed himself in 2005, was employed by Ohio State’s athletic department and medical staff for nearly two decades.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
More than 60 cameras were employed to swoop around the stage and arena as Perry hopscotched through aerial stunts, pyro blasts and more than a couple of costume changes.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harnessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harnessed. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
