as in using
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 harnessing
The costliest thing that Take-Two manages is the investment in developing new ideas and harnessing the potential of cutting-edge technology to deliver mind-blowing gaming experiences for fans.
—
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
The North Star state now has an opportunity to write a narrative that positions it as a hub for both innovation and solidarity — harnessing stories that can travel beyond local borders and serve as a model for entrepreneurs everywhere.
—Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
The Pennsylvania Democrat has been an enthusiastic supporter of Operation Epic Fury, even as his party pins much of its hopes on a November blowout in the Midterms on harnessing popular discontent against the war.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
So Jones tried something else — harnessing his leadership of the state Senate to seek an edge over Jackson.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Indeed, by the time Clarke made his prediction, a new way of harnessing the Sun’s power had been discovered.
—Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Shifting his attention away from the nitty-gritty of his mechanics and toward a more macro approach of harnessing his athleticism while hitting, Swanson is seeing encouraging early production.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
The state, like Pastor Billy’s organization, has emerged as a laboratory for innovative ideas for harnessing technology to help break down barriers holding people back.
—Rajiv J. Shah, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
Windjammers are traditional tall ships powered by harnessing the force of the wind.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
The North Star state now has an opportunity to write a narrative that positions it as a hub for both innovation and solidarity — harnessing stories that can travel beyond local borders and serve as a model for entrepreneurs everywhere.
—Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
The Pennsylvania Democrat has been an enthusiastic supporter of Operation Epic Fury, even as his party pins much of its hopes on a November blowout in the Midterms on harnessing popular discontent against the war.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
So Jones tried something else — harnessing his leadership of the state Senate to seek an edge over Jackson.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Indeed, by the time Clarke made his prediction, a new way of harnessing the Sun’s power had been discovered.
—Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Shifting his attention away from the nitty-gritty of his mechanics and toward a more macro approach of harnessing his athleticism while hitting, Swanson is seeing encouraging early production.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
The state, like Pastor Billy’s organization, has emerged as a laboratory for innovative ideas for harnessing technology to help break down barriers holding people back.
—Rajiv J. Shah, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
Windjammers are traditional tall ships powered by harnessing the force of the wind.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harnessing
Verb
-
First, locate the radiant to the left of the waning moon using a handy smartphone stargazing app.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
-
Paller tried a similar experiment in 2009, this time using sound.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The case stands as a powerful example of how advancements in forensic science, particularly utilizing DNA and forensic genetic genealogy, continue to transform cold case investigations, delivering answers even decades after crimes occur.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to utilizing his singing background and going through extensive training to sing as Michael, Jaafar's voice was also blended in with Michael's voice in some scenarios.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
By the time Cale Makar picked up the puck on the offensive line, exploiting Taylor Ward in a mismatched one-on-one before sniping short side past Anton Forsberg, the impending sweep was clear.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Bad actors are exploiting weaknesses government has known about for years.—
Darlene Mealy,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With Philadelphia applying pressure, Winn shattered Trea Turner’s bat to induce a 5-4-3 double play, recording the first two outs of the inning.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
-
If bitten by a rattlesnake, victims should stay calm, limit movement, call 911 and seek emergency medical attention, avoiding myths such as sucking out the venom or applying ice.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury is employing a PCR thermocycler that cuts the time to get a diagnosis from days to just merely hours.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
-
If tax records and documents do not add up, employers and employees may be arrested and detained as investigators sort out who is illegally present in the United States or illegally employing workers.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harnessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harnessing. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
