eavesdrop (on)

verb

ˈēvz-ˌdräp How to pronounce eavesdrop (on) (audio)
Definition of eavesdrop (on)next
as in to listen in (on)
to listen to (another in private conversation) a nosy traveler who likes to eavesdrop on his fellow airline passengers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eavesdrop (on)
  1. monitor
  2. hear
  3. spy
  4. overhear
Verb
  • Electron diffraction provided another way to monitor the crystal structures as defects developed.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Subramanyam said his calls were monitored between March and May, noting that at the time the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee was pushing for former Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of monitor
Verb
  • Along with performances from Chappell Roan, Doechii and more, the festival provided a space where attendees could connect directly with the festival’s nonprofit partners and hear more about the issues and communities at the center of their work.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Twice that day, Issa hears about earnest stuff Anton said to win voters over to Paul Baker’s side.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of hear
Verb
  • To the north of the fire, between a forest and a small dirt road, Olstead spied a green field—the jump spot.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The resulting sauce is glossy enough to spy your reflection in its jet black depths, refined yet powerful with its distinct wallop of deep, earthy flavors.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of spy
Verb
  • 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
Definition of overhear
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.

Browse Nearby Words

eat (up)
eavesdrop (on)
eavesdropped (on)
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Cite this Entry

“Eavesdrop (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eavesdrop%20%28on%29. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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