HARKENING Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

harkening

verb

present participle of harken

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

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 harkening Trump has leaned into molding the White House and Greater Washington in his own image, harkening back to his days as a real estate developer in 1970s and 1980s New York. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The garment is a retro style, seemingly harkening back to glamorous garments from the 60s. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 30 Aug. 2026 The name also has some sentimental meaning for Meghan, harkening back to a childhood nickname given to her by her mother Doria. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harkening

Verb

In this case really listening meant taking action on behalf of their employees.

— Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Iceland Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir participates at a listening session on a referendum in Reykjavik, Iceland, on August 24, 2026.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026