listening

Definition of listeningnext
present participle of listen
as in hearing
to pay attention especially through the act of hearing would you listen to what I have to say?

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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 listening Recorded on five reel-to-reel decks, the composer’s 1975 piece blends everyday and exotic sounds—human breath, cheeping frogs, bubbling geysers—into a passionate defense of the raptures of listening. Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026 In June 2009, director Patti Ragan told PEOPLE that Bubbles' favorite activities included eating sweet potatoes, listening to flute-and-guitar music and painting. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026 Members of both chambers seemed to enjoy his 20-minute address, listening intently and laughing at the monarch’s jokes and giving him standing ovations. Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026 On July 9, 1776, days after listening to a reading of the Declaration of Independence in Lower Manhattan, George Washington’s troops toppled a lead statue of King George III. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 Only one of the singers revealed listening to Swift on their own time — Chris Tungseth, a lovably hirsute country boy in the Bo Bice/Sundance Head mode. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026 As the sun sets, the fruit bats swoop among the trees as couples and young families lounge on large poolside cabanas, downing languid cocktails and listening to live guitar strums before heading for a casual dinner. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 Thank you for listening to Compound Interest from Semafor Business. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Gorka has said his workday begins with a drive to the White House while listening to his favorite podcast, hosted by pro-Trump military historian Victor Davis Hanson. Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for listening
hearing
Verb
  • Watch the video above to see a boy’s powerful reaction to finally hearing clearly.
    Ronnie Li, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Hutson and Brown are scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing Thursday.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Listening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listening. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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