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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Recent Examples of harken
By contrast some of the best songs harken back to earlier eras of Charli’s discography.
—
Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2026
Downstairs, meanwhile, the couple has created an entertainment parlor complete with a billiards room and a pub-style wet bar that harkens back to their Irish and British heritage.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
The indentations in the squishy mud harkened to a creature that had webbed toes and distinct claws.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 11 Feb. 2026
The scene in San Francisco harkens to the days when a prepubescent girl leaped around the Oakland Ice Center as if nothing bothered her.
—Elliott Almond, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harken
Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2026
Downstairs, meanwhile, the couple has created an entertainment parlor complete with a billiards room and a pub-style wet bar that harkens back to their Irish and British heritage.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
The indentations in the squishy mud harkened to a creature that had webbed toes and distinct claws.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 11 Feb. 2026
The scene in San Francisco harkens to the days when a prepubescent girl leaped around the Oakland Ice Center as if nothing bothered her.
—Elliott Almond, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harken
Verb
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Unlike the city’s past listening sessions under Laesch, Mullins wants those contributing the cultural plan to be targeted towards specific groups within the city, such as visual artists, performing artists, downtown businesses, different cultural groups and creative organizations.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Seeing my child sit with a senior, listen to their stories, and really engage was incredibly meaningful.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Here’s a look inside the third round of The Players Championship and what The Athletic saw and heard before a juicy final day.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
15 Mar. 2026
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The subcommittee also heard testimony Friday from Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Jeff DiSantis, who handles media relations for Willis' office.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harken. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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