Synonyms for

Overheard

Verb / ˈəʊvɜ:ˈhɜ:d / Another word for overheard — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to hear something without meaning to or without the speaker's knowledge

Synonyms & similar words

takein overhear catch eavesdrop spy snoop intrude intercept catch attend hear

Synonyms by register

Formal

unintentionally heard accidentally perceived incidentally learned

Informal

caught wind of got an earful picked up on

Literary

unwittingly gleaned passively absorbed

Antonyms

heard listened attended eavesdropped intercepted

Common collocations

  • conversation overheard
  • remark overheard
  • argument overheard
  • secret overheard
  • private conversation overheard
  • part of a conversation overheard

Word family

noun overhearing
verb overhear

Usage note

Overheard implies hearing something unintentionally, often by accident. It is distinct from actively listening or eavesdropping, which suggest intent.

Example sentences

  1. I accidentally overheard my brother telling his friend a secret.
  2. She overheard her boss talking about a new project.
  3. He always tries to overhear his neighbor's conversations.
  4. They were overheard talking about their weekend plans.
  5. I don't want anyone to overheard our conversation.

Quotes

  • Being overheard is the nut of my existence.
  • I'm shy, paranoid, whatever word you want to use. I hate fame. I've done everything I can to avoid it.
  • I always have a fear of being overheard or recorded.

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