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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for listening in (on)
Verb
-
Critics also questioned whether acoustic microphones monitoring public spaces could amount to a form of surveillance, as well as who would have access to any audio data collected.
-
Beat officers monitoring police radio observed a tow truck matching the description of the white truck near 4300 South Western Avenue, the source said.
Verb
-
On Election Day, Schlossberg was campaigning out in the rain despite the concerning polls, hearing stories from passersby about their Kennedy encounters over the years and taking selfies with starstruck supporters.
-
Some travel from other parts of Minnesota after hearing about the fundraiser through friends or social media.
Verb
-
This is not the first time an American has been accused of spying for Iran.
-
In 2024, the Canadian women’s national team was accused of using a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session in the days leading up to its opening match at the Paris Olympics, triggering a spying scandal that led to sanctions against Canada.
Verb
-
The episode ends with Teddy getting a voicemail from Owen and overhearing a bridge collapse and car crash that may be fatal.
-
Another resident reported frequently overhearing arguing coming from the apartment.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Listening in (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listening%20in%20%28on%29. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
