STEAL Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'steal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of steal are filch , pilfer , and purloin . While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," steal may apply to any surreptitious taking of something and differs from the other terms by commonly applying to intangibles as well as material things. // steal jewels // stole a look at the gifts

Q: In what contexts can 'filch' take the place of 'steal'?

The meanings of filch and steal largely overlap; however, filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously. // filched an apple from the tray

Q: When might 'pilfer' be a better fit than 'steal'?

While the synonyms pilfer and steal are close in meaning, pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts. // pilfered from his employer

Q: When could 'purloin' be used to replace 'steal'?

The synonyms purloin and steal are sometimes interchangeable, but purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes. // printed a purloined document

steal 1 of 2

verb

ˈstēl

Definition of steal next

as in to swipe

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep the guy who tried to steal my car was sentenced to a year in jail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to sneak

to move about in a sly or secret manner the teenagers were able to steal past a security guard and enter the fairgrounds without paying admission

Synonyms & Similar Words

steal

2 of 2

noun

as in bargain

something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price at 50% off, that shirt is a real steal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb steal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of steal are filch, pilfer, and purloin. While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," steal may apply to any surreptitious taking of something and differs from the other terms by commonly applying to intangibles as well as material things.

steal jewels

stole a look at the gifts

In what contexts can filch take the place of steal?

The meanings of filch and steal largely overlap; however, filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously.

filched an apple from the tray

When might pilfer be a better fit than steal?

While the synonyms pilfer and steal are close in meaning, pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts.

pilfered from his employer

When could purloin be used to replace steal?

The synonyms purloin and steal are sometimes interchangeable, but purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes.

printed a purloined document

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of steal

Verb

The operation was said to have involved stealing leggings and other goods from one Lululemon store and returning them to another store for fraudulent refunds. —

Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024 The score roils with melodic drama in the film’s prologue, which vibrantly depicts a tense heist to steal the titular piano under the cover of darkness and a Fourth of July fireworks show in Mississippi. —

Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024

Noun

Some owners think the Qualtrics co-founder and Utah Jazz owner got a steal at $1.2 billion, which ranks 28th among NHL team values. —

Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Braun has rocketed out of the gate as the Nuggets’ new fifth starter, averaging 16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, a block and a steal per game through a tenth of the season. —

Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal

Verb

Rafael swiped west of Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon, where authorities opened four emergency shelters but reported no deaths or injuries despite the heavy rain.

Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024
Power of permanency in a world that loves to swipe The modern challenge of deploying storytelling as a form of activism is retaining the audience’s attention for a sustained period of time.

Gemma Allen, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024