LISTENING Synonyms: 12 Similar and Opposite Words

listening

verb

present participle of listen

as in hearing

to pay attention especially through the act of hearing would you listen to what I have to say?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of listening My favorite ways to enjoy it are with a hot cup of tea or coffee, listening to fall jazz on a loop, and cozying up by the fire with a good book in hand. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026 The eulogy led to applause both in the church and among crowds listening outside. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026 Amusingly, Miley seems to resent her sister for wearing a Blondie T-shirt without actually listening to Blondie music. — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 Klassen recently won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, receiving the life-changing news one morning quite by surprise (highly recommend listening to the phone call between Klassen and the entire jury). — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026 Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was listening to a question from Pete Sweeney, the Star’s Chiefs Insider, when a honking horn ringtone could be heard. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026 Apple AirPods 4 Deal The AirPods 4 earbuds contain Apple's H2 chip, enhancing the sound quality when taking calls or listening to music. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026 All of this happens while listening, interpreting and preparing a response. — Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026 After listening to several mental health experts testify, the jury began deliberations. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for listening

hearing

Verb

But their interest deepens after reading Buffett’s annual letters, which became required reading for many investors, and hearing him speak in interviews.

— Josh Funk, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Yaghi, who has six daughters and a retired husband, returned after hearing that Israeli forces had withdrawn from the village at the end of July.

— Diego Ibarra Sánchez, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026