listen in (on)

Definition of listen in (on)next
as in to eavesdrop (on)
to listen to (another in private conversation) it's not polite to listen in on other people's private conversations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for listen in (on)
Verb
  • The jury in Kaley’s case hasn’t yet heard the full arguments from Meta and YouTube’s lawyers, who are expected to take their turn in the coming weeks.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Horst has reluctantly postponed Serafini’s sentencing three times in the past several months, because the judge had to first hear testimony and arguments to determine whether to grant Serafini a new trial.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Cameras do monitor arrivals and departures, and early arrivals or late check-outs incur a charge.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The crew might also spy distinct flashes of light as space rocks strike the moon — or dust floating above the edge of the moon, a mysterious phenomenon scientists have yet to understand fully.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • But there’s no snow on the 101 Freeway near Thousand Oaks — which might come as a surprise to those who spied an errant travel alert from the California Department of Transportation.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Kizer – their father – was on the phone with her and overheard parts of the spat.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
  • According to Daniel Webster, the 19th century historian and statesman, Revere's ride happened because British plans to invade Lexington and Concord were overheard at the Green Dragon, which is open to this day.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Listen in (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listen%20in%20%28on%29. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

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