Hearsay, gossip, or rumors are some of the most common antonyms for the phrase "hears tell." Hearsay refers to information that is heard from another person, without knowing its authenticity. It is often unreliable and unverified. Gossip, on the other hand, pertains to talk or conversation, often about personal or trivial issues that may or may not be true. Rumors are unverified information, usually spread by word of mouth, about a person, event, or incident. These antonyms highlight the potential for misinformation and the importance of seeking out reliable sources of information, especially in today's era where fake news and misinformation have become rampant.