eavesdrop (on)

verb

ˈēvz-ˌdräp How to pronounce eavesdrop (on) (audio)
Definition of eavesdrop (on)next
as in to listen in (on)
to listen to (another in private conversation) a nosy traveler who likes to eavesdrop on his fellow airline passengers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eavesdrop (on)
  1. monitor
  2. hear
  3. spy
  4. overhear
Verb
  • According to detectives, on the same day the allegations were reported, the victim conducted a phone call with Torres — monitored by police — in which Torres admitted to abusing the victim and at least one other underage relative.
    Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Then Tuesday senior assistant and longtime special teams coach Mike Westhoff stepped down from his job to monitor a potential health issue related to his vision.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
Definition of monitor
Verb
  • Catherine’s husband has also been unable to hear her, deaf to anything but the gonging of his own jealous rage.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • The neighbor also later heard yelling coming from nearby woods.
    Antonio Planas, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Definition of hear
Verb
  • In 2019, the US Interior Department grounded its fleet of DJI drones over spying risks.
    Sean Hollister, The Verge, 19 Oct. 2024
  • The Dutch exotic dancer was convicted of spying for Germany, although her guilt is debated by historians.
    Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024
Definition of spy
Verb
  • My wife, overhearing this, couldn't help but laugh at my politeness toward a machine.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Both complaints cited overhearing employees at the Kwik Trip at 2530 N. Grandview Blvd.
    Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
Definition of overhear
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near eavesdrop (on)

eat (up)

eavesdrop (on)

eavesdropped (on)

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Cite this Entry

“Eavesdrop (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eavesdrop%20%28on%29. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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