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 The following morning, on the train back to London, people could be overheard complimenting the play and discussing its big revelations. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 At one point, Piker overhears his brother telling me about his old job as an aerospace engineer at Boeing. Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026 But despite getting back together in season two, the finale ended on a cliffhanger of Alex overhearing Jackie confess her love to his brother Cole. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026 Season 3 picks up after her boyfriend Alex Walter (Ashby Gentry) overhears Jackie and his brother Cole Walter (Noah LaLonde) confess their feelings for each other. Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overhear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overhear
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
  • Satellite imagery has already spied an area of rising seas expanding north from South and Central America to California’s Baja Peninsula, with a northward expansion expected from there.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • He was arrested by the police and convicted of spying for a terror plot against the network.
    Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overhear. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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