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 In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly about reuniting with Home Improvement costar Tim Allen, 72, on Shifting Gears, Dunning recalled overhearing Allen entertaining the idea of bringing Pamela Anderson back to the series in some capacity. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025 Of course, in dramatic fashion, Emily overhears this discussion but hides instead of calling him out. Grace Byron, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 Kelley and Lauren could overhear their conversation while sitting outside the HOH room. David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Sep. 2025 Alas, Taylor overhears and freaks out because Steven hasn't mentioned it. Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overhear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overhear
Verb
  • The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in November regarding presidential authority to impose tariffs under emergency powers, while removal cases involving FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook await resolution.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Other signs of a wasp infestation include finding dead wasps in your home or hearing buzzing indoors.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Strufe adds that while intelligence agencies or cybercriminals have simpler ways to monitor people – such as accessing CCTV cameras or video doorbells – the widespread presence of wireless networks could eventually form a near-comprehensive surveillance infrastructure.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The Chicago Cubs, the team that drafted Schwarber, are one team in particular to monitor as negotiations unfold.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The relative then spied a dead dog on an interstate nearby, and assumed the canine was Randy since both dogs had the same shading.
    TJ Macias, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Depending on your age and foreign language ability, fulfilling your James Bond spy fantasies may not be very realistic—but spying for the British government just got more accessible.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overhear. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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