Definitions

listen

[lis-uhn] / ˈlɪs ən /

VERB

hear and pay attention

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accept admit attend get observe take notice tune in

STRONG

adopt audit auscultate catch concentrate eavesdrop entertain hark harken hearken mind monitor obey overhear receive welcome

WEAK

auscult be all ears be attentive get a load of give an audience to give attention give heed to hang on words hear out hear tell lend an ear pick up on prick up ears take advice take into consideration take under advisement tune in on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deny dispute ignore miss refuse reject

STRONG

disobey disregard forget neglect turn away

WEAK

speak talk

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Congress knows better than we do, and we should listen to them.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

The real disclosure of “Disclosure Day” turns out to be our own inability to listen: how everyone gets so wrapped up in themselves they often miss the larger picture.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Reasons to look for a new adviser include failure to listen, high fees, the adviser’s retirement, poor communication, disappointing performance, different values, ineffective advice and bad rapport, according to this survey by Financial Advisor Magazine.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Treat us as such, and we will listen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The six of us listen in silence as she explains the audacious plan.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing listen

Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do

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Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 3)

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Spelling Practice, Unit 7

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!