Synonyms of overhear

overhear

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈhir 

as in to hear

to listen to (another in private conversation)

it's not polite to try to overhear intimate friends sharing confidences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hear
• monitor
• spy
• listen in (on)
• eavesdrop (on)
• attend
• snoop
• tap
• bug
• wiretap
• hearken
• heed
• surveil
• mind

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overhear

Nathan overhears a snippet of this exchange, which convinces him that Joe is engaged in an all-out smear campaign against him. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Eve’s Hollywood, gossipy and full of anecdote captures a more recent version of the conversations Arzner used to overhear at her father’s Hollywood restaurant. — Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

Amabile’s wife, Serena Pitt, can be overheard asking him as another staple is clipped out and placed into a plastic container. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026

While checking into his hotel in Paris three years ago, Lucas overheard a pair of rugby fans from South Africa talking about their monthlong stay in France for the tournament. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026