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
  • Across the Houston area, residents described hearing a low, rumbling sound that many compared to thunder, even though the skies were clear, according to CBS affiliate KHOU.
    Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Which is exactly what Golden wants to hear.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Weiner also touted the NYPD’s network of cameras and sensors, which are monitored by members of the NYPD’s intelligence division, and international liaison officers posted in the Middle East as elements providing the department with early-warning detection capabilities.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Southern Poverty Law Center has monitored a large rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric over the last year that only intensified since the war in the Middle East began, Levi said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • John offers to marry Claire to protect her when the British Army wants to arrest her for spying.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Mizan also reported that Iran executed a man on charges of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His neighbors and roommates overheard the commotion from the shooting.
    Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to the ring switch-up and Roach's head-turning comments, the actress was overheard accepting well-wishes from attendees at Essence's Black Women in Hollywood Awards on March 12.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 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 28 Mar. 2026.

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