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.

He instructed his crew to tie him to the ship’s mast of his ship so that he could listen and yet not succumb.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

If you don't believe me, listen to the Labour Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Because you can listen to their jokes and see the show, and then they go create the show off of what they were talking about.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

"It is really my hope that this is the icebreaking moment that leads everyone to listen to the public and start trying to have the conversation we need to have," she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

A wolverine snarled at him to stay away, and he snarled back as fiercely as he could, because wolverines only listen to threats.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Vocabulary lists containing listen

Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 3)

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!