ear

noun

ˈir How to pronounce ear (audio)
Definition of earnext
as in attention
a state of being aware I'm trying to get the boss's ear in order to ask for a raise in my pay

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 ear SoundPeats claims this results in a richer bass, greater dynamic expression and a more balanced sound signature than found on typical open-ear and clip-on designs. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Another man passed out after a wire with an electric current was fixed to his ear. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 In September 2025, Kotb beamed from ear to ear on Haley Joy and Hope’s first days of third and first grade, respectively. — Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026 John is an otolaryngologist, a doctor specializing in conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ear
  1. attention
  2. awareness
  3. eye
  4. mindfulness
Noun
  • Temperature control requires some attention, as the trailers can heat up quickly in direct sunlight and cool dramatically after dark.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Bernard gets more of the attention; Weru, a native of Kenya, was an international rugby player who is now learning football.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • The experience has also turned the mother-daughter duo into advocates for mental health awareness and more intentional technology use.
    — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The curriculum includes topics like executive presence, professional branding, influence, resilience, conflict navigation, storytelling, disability and accessibility awareness, and allyship.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • Meantime, in south suburban Harvey, police are adding more eyes in the sky with Flock safety drones, license plate readers, and a network of cameras tied to the department's real-time crime center.
    — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The second pitch Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz threw on Thursday night sailed above the strike zone, at about eye-height on Brewers hitter William Contreras.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of eye
Noun
  • In the moment, emotional regulation strategies can include breathing or mindfulness techniques that help calm the body’s nervous system and turn down the intensity of emotions.
    — Jessica Griffin, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Additionally, investing time in self-care and mindfulness practices can enhance your well-being and prepare you for future opportunities.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of mindfulness

Browse Nearby Words

eagle-eyed
ear
earache
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ear. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ear

Nglish: Translation of ear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All