eavesdrop (on)

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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eavesdrop (on)
Verb
  • Where that fresh water enters the ocean matters, but researchers have struggled to monitor it at scale.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
  • After reviewing over 30 years of monitoring data, entomologists at the University of Florida (UF) now say both the Formosan and Asian subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus and Coptotermes gestroi) are expanding their range of destruction.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Robert Herman, Paul Radvany and Walt De Treaux issued their decision Saturday, a day after hearing arguments.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Each year, Munich meets to hear European promises to do more.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Why some Ukrainians agree to spy The profile of Ukrainians recruited by Russia is a broad one.
    Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Karen Powers overheard the adjuster accusing her husband and brother of having failed to perform work with the money that State Farm had issued on the earlier claim.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Although Silvia and Guojun didn’t discuss their private lives, their employees could easily overhear them fight.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 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

“Eavesdrop (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eavesdrop%20%28on%29. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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