listening in (on)

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
  • To a network monitoring tool or a streaming platform's detection system, your connection looks like a regular browser session.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026
  • That would mean monitoring traffic, having a protective barrier for residents, and working with the community to make Stop Six Day safer.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • As part of a series of pre-trial motions, Pino’s attorneys asked Tinkler Mendez to stop the jury from hearing about Puig’s injuries.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
  • To Palczewski, the wait from the crushing end of Denver’s 2025 season to hearing a deal was on the table felt long enough.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • But Southampton’s expulsion following the spying scandal has handed Middlesbrough an extraordinary reprieve — and the betting market has reacted in their favour.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 23 May 2026
  • The incident comes as relations between the two countries remain at a historic low over the Ukraine war and longstanding spying allegations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 May 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 13 Jun. 2026.

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