Definition of overhearnext
as in to hear
to listen to (another in private conversation) it's not polite to try to overhear intimate friends sharing confidences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of overhear The first time he was arrested in December 2024, neighbors overheard an altercation between Fraraccio and Bridgman in their apartment and called police, Bridgman said. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026 Throughout the day, amid the cacophony of emergency response sirens, the buzz of drones could be heard overheard, sparking fear among the residents below. Riane Lumer, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026 Lorincz was also reportedly overheard yelling at the children and seen waving an umbrella at them. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026 The dispatcher overheard bystanders rushing to help him before the call disconnected. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overhear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overhear
Verb
  • The crowd had gathered in the foyer to hear the sculptor give his speech.
    Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • He was heard on international airlines as the voice of The Discovery Channel’s in-flight entertainment.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That could mean using drones to monitor a ship's movements, using intelligence to know a ship's origin or destination, using reconnaissance aircraft like the E-2 Hawkeye or helicopters that are launched from an aircraft carrier.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • As law enforcement monitored their suspects, officers learned they were allegedly involved in drug trafficking in different Baltimore-area locations.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And then head out to spy for local birds and native plants at the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in the San Fernando Valley where San Fernando Valley Audubon Society keeps a watchful eye to maintain its vibrancy.
    Daily News, Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The lush property is a nature lover’s dream with its tropical garden and opportunities to spy native species from iguanas to flamingos.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overhear. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on overhear

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster