listen in (on)

Definition of listen in (on)next
as in to eavesdrop (on)
to listen to (another in private conversation) it's not polite to listen in on other people's private conversations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for listen in (on)
Verb
  • Havard declined to comment on reports that Jimmy Carr is being lined up as the motoring show’s new host, but Deadline hears talks are underway with the comedian.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The court also heard testimony from Christine Reglin, a special agent with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, who maintained that the agency didn’t think Fatherley’s actions that night constituted a crime.
    Sofi Zeman August 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Warsh's remarks will be closely monitored for any indication of his views on how monetary policy should respond to persistently above-target inflation, or the impact of rising long-term borrowing costs.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Hutton said Calumet College regularly sends representatives to the school to monitor it, including its governance system and academic programs.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To the north of the fire, between a forest and a small dirt road, Olstead spied a green field—the jump spot.
    M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The resulting sauce is glossy enough to spy your reflection in its jet black depths, refined yet powerful with its distinct wallop of deep, earthy flavors.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Eve’s Hollywood, gossipy and full of anecdote captures a more recent version of the conversations Arzner used to overhear at her father’s Hollywood restaurant.
    Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Amabile’s wife, Serena Pitt, can be overheard asking him as another staple is clipped out and placed into a plastic container.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Listen in (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listen%20in%20%28on%29. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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