Hear from is a common phrase that is used to describe the act of receiving communication or getting in touch with someone. There are several synonyms that can be used to express the same idea, including "receive word," "get word," "hear back," "get in touch," "make contact," "reach out," "check in," and "touch base." These phrases can be used interchangeably and are often used in different contexts. For example, "get in touch" is a more casual way of saying that you would like to hear from someone, while "reach out" is often used in a more formal context. Regardless of the phrase used, the intention remains the same - to connect with someone and receive communication in return.