as in eavesdropping (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 listening in (on)
Verb
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This long-term approach allowed scientists to account for changes in coffee and tea consumption over time, while monitoring for both clinical dementia diagnoses and subtle shifts in cognitive function.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026 -
These traits make biodrones suitable for inspecting pipelines, surveying industrial zones, monitoring power lines, or supporting search and rescue missions in hard-to-reach locations.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In Oklahoma, Pastor Hau Suan Khai started hearing about cancellations from Christian refugees who, like him, had come to the US fleeing persecution in Myanmar.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
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The court is in the middle of a four-week break from hearing arguments and issuing opinions.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The spying operation was unusually vast and allowed the hackers to hoover up sensitive information in apparent coordination with geopolitical events, such as diplomatic missions, trade negotiations, political unrest and military actions, according to the report.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
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The 2007 spying scandal cost the team a first-round pick and $250,000, while Belichick was fined $500,000.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dogs also learned new object names by overhearing them.—
Liz Regalia,
Parents,
25 Jan. 2026
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Hyman remembers overhearing a conversation between Stecher and then-Oilers assistant coach Paul Coffey as the trade deadline approached.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Listening in (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listening%20in%20%28on%29. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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