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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The law requires government agencies and companies to integrate cattle-tracking, land ownership and deforestation-monitoring systems to identify livestock linked to forest loss and keep them out of their supply chains.—
Steven Grattan,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026 -
City officials say inspectors are monitoring vendors throughout the sales period and remind residents that violations can carry serious consequences, including fines and/or jail time.—
Kelly Werthmann,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Considering his impact on electronic music, hearing Vince say that his original musical influence was acoustic guitar-and-vocal folk is a little unexpected, but not far-fetched.—
Lily Moayeri,
SPIN,
17 June 2026
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For most of my life, building those relationships and hearing those stories has been a crucial part of my education.—
Cody Two Bears,
Rolling Stone,
17 June 2026
Verb
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But that doesn’t mean the government’s spying powers will disappear.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
12 June 2026
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Following the House vote, congressional Republicans blamed Democrats for putting a key spying tool in jeopardy, noting the high-level security events happening around the country in the coming weeks such as July 4 celebrations and World Cup matches.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
12 June 2026
Verb
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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
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Another resident reported frequently overhearing arguing coming from the apartment.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
1 May 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 20 Jun. 2026.
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