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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There’s also a chance of rain in the area, something Craig Borsari, UFC executive producer, has been monitoring for weeks.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
15 June 2026 -
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
Verb
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Anthony, hearing his mother’s concerns, got a ride instead.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 June 2026
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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
Verb
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Congress is struggling to meet a fast-approaching deadline to extend a key government spying law, potentially jeopardizing national security as the Iran war drags on.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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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
Verb
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For some songwriters, an idea can spring from glimpsing a billboard or overhearing a conversation.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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Several officials at the scene recalled overhearing McCarty register his objections, according to the Internal Affairs document.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 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 17 Jun. 2026.
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