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

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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 As a bald eagle named Indy occasionally screeched at an offending hawk that flew overheard, speakers talked about the time capsule as a message to future generations about Americans’ hopes, values and lives in 2025. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026 Their path to the iconic series began almost by accident after a family friend overheard a casting call for twin girls and connected their father with the opportunity. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 Somehow the staff overheard us. Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 When someone was picking on Ollie recently, Dreyer was proud to overhear Calvin offering big brotherly defense. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overhear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overhear
Verb
  • Fedorov’s removal came as Russian missiles struck Kyiv early Thursday, with loud explosions heard in the Ukrainian capital just hours before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was set to arrive.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Instead, adopt an integration plan customized for the leader, apply the concepts of optimal distinctiveness and monitor and adjust as necessary.
    Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Even though Yates told staff of her drug use history, staff placed her in a cell where she would not be monitored for withdrawals or overdoses, the suit alleged.
    Theresa Clift July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
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
  • On one wall, the researchers spied what first appeared to be patches of dirt or debris on a mural; further scrutiny showed these were actually thin scraps of plaster that were inscribed with strange markings.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overhear. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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