harnessing

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.

In March, Mayor Karen Bass announced a plan to repair and replace up to 60,000 streetlights by harnessing solar power technology, so they’d no longer be reliant on the copper wire that keeps getting stolen.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

They mostly gyrate based on how they’re perceived on social media and the skill of company insiders at harnessing that energy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Listeners interpret Kiedis’ lyrics in many ways, but regardless of what he intended, the song’s message circles back to nurturing and harnessing one’s individuality into a creative fuel.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

These produce renewable electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water with a turbine, pump, or waterwheel.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

As he talked, he was harnessing the donkey.

From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios