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Dictionary.com
Definitions

all ears

ADJECTIVE
alert
Synonyms
STRONGEST
active bright careful intelligent observant perceptive sharp vigilant wary watchful wired wise
STRONG
hip jazzed quick ready spirited
WEAK
cagey circumspect clever fast on the draw good hands heads up heedful on guard on one's toes on the ball on the job on the lookout on the qui vive psyched-up switched on wide-awake with it
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless dull foolish ignorant inattentive incautious indifferent indiscreet lazy negligent stupid thoughtless unaware unintelligent unobservant
STRONG
slow uneducated
WEAK
asleep drowsy lethargic sluggish weary
ADJECTIVE
attentive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aware conscientious interested observant vigilant watchful
STRONG
heedful
WEAK
alert awake enrapt enthralled fascinated glued hanging on every word hooked immersed intent listening mindful on one's toes on the ball on the job on the lookout on the qui vive preoccupied regardful studious
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless inattentive negligent unaware
WEAK
disregarding heedless ignorant inconsiderate neglectful neglecting unattentive
ADJECTIVE
cautious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
circumspect discreet judicious leery prudent tentative vigilant wary watchful
STRONG
alert safe
WEAK
cagey calculating chary considerate forethoughtful gingerly hedging one's bets heedful keeping on one's toes on the lookout playing it cool playing safe politic provident pussyfoot shrewd taking it easy taking it slow thinking twice walking on eggs watching one's step watching out with one's eyes peeled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless certain foolish inattentive incautious indiscreet negligent rash reckless sure thoughtless uncareful unwise
WEAK
hasty heedless imprudent unguarded unobservant
ADJECTIVE
on the ball
Synonyms
WEAK
active attentive bright cagey careful clever good hands heads up intelligent lively observant on guard on one's toes on the job on the lookout on the stick perceptive quick ready sharp spirited vigilant watchful wise with it
ADJECTIVE
open-eyed
Synonyms
WEAK
active bright cagey careful circumspect clever fast on the draw good hands heads up heedful hip intelligent jazzed observant on guard on one's toes on the ball on the job on the lookout on the qui vive perceptive psyched-up quick ready sharp spirited switched on vigilant wakeful wary watchful wide-awake wired wise with it
ADJECTIVE
watchful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attentive careful cautious observant suspicious vigilant wary
STRONG
alert
WEAK
chary circumspect glued guarded heedful hooked keen not missing a trick on guard on one's toes on the ball on the job on the qui vive on the watch open-eyed prepared ready see after see to unsleeping wakeful wide-awake with eyes peeled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless heedless inattentive incautious indiscreet rash thoughtless uncareful unobservant
WEAK
negligent
ADJECTIVE
wide-awake
Synonyms
WEAK
active alert attentive bright bright-eyed and bushy-tailed fast on the draw heads up intelligent lively on guard on one's toes on the ball on the job on the lookout psyched-up quick ready sharp spirited vigilant watchful wide-eyed wired

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.

While a rate cut is expected Wednesday, all ears will be tuned to Powell’s speech, which investors hope will lay out the Fed’s path for interest-rate policy in 2026.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 7, 2025

At every symposium on learning through play, every panel on teenage angst, every forum on how to build grit, I was there, all ears and taking copious notes along the way.

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2024

“Ruth was all ears, as we all were.”

From New York Times • Jul. 11, 2023

“It’s got to be done live, in that moment I’m all ears and eyes.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2022

"I'm all ears," Venkat said, saving his document and closing his laptop.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir