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

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 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 adaptation of John Galsworthy’s novel, The Forsyte Saga, will head into production on Season 3 next month in the UK and on location in Europe, Deadline hears.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Then the fighting older couple hears a camera’s click and looks up and sees their younger counterpart staring.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 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
  • The Polar Loop is a simple, screenless fitness-tracking band that monitors your activity, heart rate, and sleep for a reasonable price.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
  • In early 2025, about $98 billion in projects were blocked or stalled nationwide over a three-month period, according to Data Center Watch, which monitors local opposition.
    Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overhears.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overhears. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on overhears

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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