listening in (on)

Definition of listening in (on)next
present participle of listen in (on)
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
  • His group designed and built a SMART brace that has self-monitoring analysis and reporting technologies to aid in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
  • This includes moving from sitting in the grandstands to standing inside Spire’s pit-road workstation near workers while monitoring live race data.
    Chase Jordan May 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Jurors in a Fort Worth courtroom decided on Tanner Horner’s punishment after hearing about a month of testimony and evidence that included audio of Athena Strand’s last moments from inside the delivery van.
    Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • Those materials included attorney reports, hearing transcripts and prior court orders.
    Greg Wehner , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Kohler and Paris were accused of spying for France and Israel and sentenced to lengthy prison terms in October 2025.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026
  • John offers to marry Claire to protect her when the British Army wants to arrest her for spying.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The episode ends with Teddy getting a voicemail from Owen and overhearing a bridge collapse and car crash that may be fatal.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 May 2026
  • Another resident reported frequently overhearing arguing coming from the apartment.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 May 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

“Listening in (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listening%20in%20%28on%29. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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