listening in
Covertly hearing conversations
Listening in is eavesdropping—hearing a conversation you're not part of, often secretly: I think someone's been listening in on our calls.
It can also mean tuning into a broadcast or joining as a silent observer: Thanks to everyone listening in today.
The phrase implies passive attention rather than active participation.
Accidentally catch speech
- wiretapHidden listening device
- buggingSecretly recording conversations
- interceptSeize en route
- snoopOne who pries
secret · whisper · gossip · private · confidential · clandestine · covert · undetected
Ongoing observation of something
- wiretapHidden listening device
- interceptSeize en route
- SIGINTIntelligence from communications intercepts
- buggingSecretly recording conversations
tapping · reconnaissance · scanning · tracking · observation · intelligence · counterintelligence · signals
Freedom from observation
- breachBreaking of agreement
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
- unwelcomeNot wanted here
uninvited · boundary · violation · trespass · imposition · snooping · prying · nosy
Attention, stake, or fee
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- attentivePaying close notice
- engagedPledged to marry
- tuned inAttentive and aware
catching · picking up · alert · aware · intent · focused · keen · eager
One who acts independently
- spyCovert information gatherer
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- informantOne who provides intelligence
operative · mole · tradecraft · dead drop · debrief · secrets · codebook · reconnaissance
overhear
Accidentally catch speech
snoop · secret · whisper · gossip · private · confidential · clandestine · covert · undetected · hidden
monitoring
Ongoing observation of something
- wiretapHidden listening device
- interceptSeize en route
- SIGINTIntelligence from communications intercepts
bugging · tapping · reconnaissance · scanning · tracking · observation · intelligence · counterintelligence · signals · frequency
privacy
Freedom from observation
- breachBreaking of agreement
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
unwelcome · uninvited · boundary · violation · trespass · imposition · snooping · prying · nosy · busybody
interest
Attention, stake, or fee
tuned in · catching · picking up · alert · aware · intent · focused · keen · eager · intrigued
agent
One who acts independently
- spyCovert information gatherer
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
informant · operative · mole · tradecraft · dead drop · debrief · secrets · codebook · reconnaissance · counterintelligence
- listeningattentive, focused attention, full attention, paying attention, heeding
- surveillancesurveillance, CCTV, security camera, surveillance camera, surveillance cameras
- intelligencesmart, IQ, memory, bright, clever
listening inbroadcasting
Mass signal transmission
transmitting · speaking up · announcing · addressing · holding forth
listening intuning out
Deliberately not hearing
ignoring · turning a deaf ear · engaging · contributing · disregarding