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
  • Along with performances from Chappell Roan, Doechii and more, the festival provided a space where attendees could connect directly with the festival’s nonprofit partners and hear more about the issues and communities at the center of their work.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Twice that day, Issa hears about earnest stuff Anton said to win voters over to Paul Baker’s side.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Overhear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overhear. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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