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Definitions

harness

[hahr-nis] / ˈhɑr nɪs /
NOUN
gear for controlling an animal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
belt strap
STRONG
equipment tack tackle trappings
VERB
rein in; control
Synonyms
STRONGEST
curb exploit mobilize tackle tame utilize
STRONG
accouter apply bind bridle channel check cinch collar constrain couple domesticate employ equip fasten fetter fit furnish gear govern hitch hold leash limit muzzle outfit rig saddle secure strap tie yoke
WEAK
make productive put in harness render useful
Antonyms
STRONG
allow detach disconnect disjoin free let go liberate loose loosen lose permit release set free unchain unfasten unlock untie
WEAK
unharness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To best harness AI, humans need to know how to build, manage, and grow AI systems to align with company-specific strategies.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

So when she travels, she will put on a movie that her dog can watch from the harness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

At the same time, scientists may be able to harness these mechanisms to support beneficial microbes and design targeted microbiome therapies.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

Kay, played by Nicole Kidman, is newly back in harness as the chief medical officer of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a job she’d held before being pushed out some unspecified years earlier.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Its huge head holds a celebratory harness, and its curved tusks are painted with colorful designs.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.