LISTENING IN (ON) Synonyms: 15 Similar Words

listening in (on)

verb

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for listening in (on)

Verb

Wilmington police say officers were monitoring a crowd when Skinner emerged from a house and pointed a gun at the group.

— CBS News Philadelphia Staff, CBS News, 14 July 2026
According to the Department of Homeland Security, agents were monitoring a location linked to a deportation order when someone drove away, leading to the shooting.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 July 2026

Definition of monitoring

Verb

Beijing — An American scientist who has studied underground nuclear tests has been detained in China for more than 18 months on spying charges, according to his supporters and a US lawmaker.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Their parents, Ethel and Julius, have been convicted of spying for the Soviet Union and sentenced to death.

— Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Definition of spying

Verb

Muraki admitted overhearing her comments about the home but denied handing a note during their first meeting.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
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

Definition of overhearing

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Browse Nearby Words

listening

listening in (on)

listening (to)

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“Listening in (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listening%20in%20%28on%29. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of listening in (on)

verb

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