hearing
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for hearing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The sense used to perceive sound.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The sense used to perceive sound.
“Her hearing is so sharp she can catch a whisper across the room.”
audition
auditory perception
audience
listening
earshot
earreach
auditory sense
sense of hearing
auditory modality
Opposites
2. adj
Able to hear; not deaf.
“The film was subtitled so hearing and deaf audiences could enjoy it together.”
Opposites
How to use hearing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
court hearing
hearing loss
hearing aid
Etymology
Formed from hear plus -ing.
Full origin of hearing →Frequently asked questions
What does “hearing” mean?
The word “hearing” means the sense used to perceive sound. In plain terms, the ability to hear, or a formal meeting where evidence or arguments are heard.
How do you pronounce “hearing”?
“Hearing” is pronounced HEER-rihng (/ˈhɪɹ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hearing” in a sentence?
Here is “hearing” used in a sentence: “Years of loud concerts had damaged his hearing.”
What is the opposite of “hearing”?
The opposite of “hearing” — its antonyms — are deaf and nonhearing.
What part of speech is “hearing”?
Depending on how it is used, “hearing” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “hearing” a common word?
“Hearing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “hearing” have?
“Hearing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the sense used to perceive sound.
What is the difference between hearing and listening?
Hearing is the physical sense — sound reaching your ears whether you want it or not. Listening is active: paying attention to sound and making sense of it. You can hear traffic without listening to it, and you can listen closely to a friend. Hearing happens automatically; listening takes conscious effort and focus.
Can hearing be tested and measured?
Yes. Hearing is measured with a test called audiometry, which checks the quietest sounds you can detect across different pitches. Results are plotted on an audiogram and measured in decibels. Audiologists use these tests to detect hearing loss and fit hearing aids. Regular testing helps catch changes early, especially with age.
What are the types of hearing loss?
There are three main types: conductive, caused by problems in the outer or middle ear; sensorineural, caused by damage to the inner ear or nerve; and mixed, a combination of both. Hearing loss can range from mild to profound and may affect one or both ears. Causes include age, noise, and illness.
