as in listening 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 eavesdropping (on)
Verb
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As of Thursday, the NHC was monitoring a disturbance in the Atlantic with an 80 percent chance of cyclone formation over the next seven days.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025 -
America’s retreat from WHO deepens the damage by weakening global systems for monitoring outbreaks, reviewing evidence and maintaining databases such as the Global Burden of Disease.—
Stan Chu Ilo,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Pentagon has deployed unmanned aircraft for spying missions over the Black Sea, with one drone downed by a Russian fighter jet in March 2023.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
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The abrupt rise in deportations and claims of Afghans spying attracted international condemnation.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Don Felder, a second cousin who now helps manage Gibson’s estate and legacy, grew up hearing her tell stories breaking the barriers in tennis and then in golf.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Davis remembers hearing the whispers of concern.—
Suzette Hackney,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Eavesdropping (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eavesdropping%20%28on%29. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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