LISTENS IN (ON) Synonyms: 14 Similar Words

listens in (on)

verb

present tense third-person singular of listen in (on)

as in eavesdrops (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 listens in (on)

Verb

Once spring rolls around, staff monitors migration patterns through eBird, a tool developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that provides real-time updates as migratory birds pass through the Chicago area.

— Harris Horowitz, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026
The British military organization that monitors maritime security incidents said Sunday that a tanker caught fire on Saturday northwest of Khasab, Oman, prompting the evacuation of its crew.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of monitors

Verb

Due to censorship laws in Middle East, Variety hears that the scene in question — not critical but the source of much chatter — will have to be cut for it to be released.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Alan hears my plea and emerges from the shadows to invite the players to a nightcap and a deadly game with the Traitors.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of hears

Verb

Almost a decade after their parking lot first meeting, Rhys and Russell were cast as married couple and KGB spies Philip and Elizabeth Jennings in The Americans.

— Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 14 Oct. 2026
One morning at school, Frida spies bruises on Elia’s back and overhears her and Emmanuel talking about having been disciplined by their parents.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of spies

Verb

The pair gets into their first major relationship discussion when Sarah overhears John getting frustrated with a customer-service person from his electric company.

— Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
One morning at school, Frida spies bruises on Elia’s back and overhears her and Emmanuel talking about having been disciplined by their parents.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of overhears

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listens

listens in (on)

listens (to)

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“Listens in (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listens%20in%20%28on%29. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of listens in (on)

verb

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