listen in (on)

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
  • His frustrations are drawing all of the attention regarding the Red Sox, and one former Red Sox legend is tired of hearing about it.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • Myth: Exposure to cicada noise will cause hearing loss As the second-largest periodical cicada, Brood XIV can make a lot of noise when the male cicadas attempt to attract mates with their buzzing sounds.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Before joining a clinical trial, ask the researchers if an IRB is monitoring the study. Cost: Ask the research team if there is a cost to join the study.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 25 May 2025
  • The concern is echoed in Washington, where national Democrats are closely monitoring the situation.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • The focus is on merchandising locations, but those who study the image will spy an opera house and a general store, believed to be the first time such concepts appear.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Richard and Frances Myles are a British couple who spy for the Secret Service during their honeymoon in Europe.
    Paul Vidich, People.com, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • In a press conference on Wednesday, May 14, Lanez's legal team claimed to have a new witness — a bodyguard for one of Megan's friends — who allegedly overheard the friend say that Lanez didn’t shoot the three-time Grammy winner.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • The young boy overheard his mother and shaman Madame Gwigokja talking about a talisman that marked Jae-yi for death.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 16 May 2025
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 29 May. 2025.

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