as in to listen
to pay attention especially through the act of hearing hearken! I hear the distant beat of the hooves of many horses

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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 hearken Masterpiece Theater Matthew Fraser November 30, 2022 Climate activist attacks on works by van Gogh, Vermeer, and other art world titans are the latest in a tradition of destruction that hearkens to the early Christian zealots. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025 Producer Andrew Watt, and backing musicians like Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pino Palladino of Nine Inch Nails, and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer helped flesh out a sound that hearkens to classic Elton without feeling like nostalgic throwbacks. Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025 The spirit of transgression that runs throughout Amis’s work seemed continually to hearken to that which lay outside English literature’s parameters. Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 When asked why that is, Danson hearkens it back to his days on Cheers. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hearken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearken
Verb
  • Watching or listening to a case unfold, and then feeling that relief when the truth comes out or justice is served.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Asked about Democrats’ broader struggles heading into 2026, Jenkins said the party needs to focus less on messaging and more on listening.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Expect to continue hearing rumors about Hill as the season moves forward.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Over three decades, the community has witnessed the Chens’ children growing up—attending their sports games, hearing them practice piano in the restaurant, and blurring the line between customer and friend.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hearken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hearken. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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