overhears

Definition of overhearsnext
present tense third-person singular of overhear
as in hears
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 overhears Sophie overhears Anthony confront Benedict in the study, but Benedict puts up a solid argument that his brother, who has just returned from a trip to India with his wife Kate (Simone Ashley) and their son Edmund, hasn’t witnessed his planning and love for Sophie. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026 Please note that one Alice Mondrich overhears more than enough to know exactly what is happening here! Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026 Lo overhears a scuffle in the cabin next door and a distinct splash in the freezing ocean waters. Courtney Howard, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 But a nurse eventually overhears Archer and Hannah discussing it, and misunderstands the situation. Claire Franken, TVLine, 1 Oct. 2025 Alas, Taylor overhears and freaks out because Steven hasn't mentioned it. Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025 In the movie, Manchester overhears conversations by the Toys R’ Us manager Mitch (Peter Dinklage) and an employee Leigh. Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025 In the book, Jackie admits her feelings to Cole, and Alex overhears the conversation. Julia Moore, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025 However, as the movie progresses, Se-ri overhears her mother discussing Yun-seok’s home life. Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overhears
Verb
  • The Supreme Court hears arguments Monday in an important gun case that has united an array of strange bedfellows, from conservative gun rights groups to liberal civil liberties groups.
    Nina Totenberg, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Deadline also hears that the WGA East will be trying to accommodate any winners or invitees who planned to attend the west coast ceremony.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • When Claire and Frank retreat to Inverness on holiday following the end of WWII, Frank spies the spectre of a Highlander staring up into Claire's window that abruptly vanishes.
    Amy Wilkinson, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Alma peers through a keyhole and spies her mother (Susanne Wuest) standing before a candlelit shrine to the family’s dead.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Often referred to as the state’s chief fiscal officer, the state comptroller pays the state’s bills, monitors fiscal compliance, records transactions and contracts and issues reports that guide the governor and legislature on budget decisions.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Its tracking program known as BladeRunner monitors snow removal equipment (including garbage trucks with plows attached) while a human in a command center — not AI — analyzes the GPS data.
    Jeff McMurray, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overhears.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overhears. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

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