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

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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

Example 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

And in Congress, Democratic lawmakers representing the party’s progressive and centrist wings alike have cast Musk as the chief architect, executor and beneficiary of the new administration, portraying him as an unelected oligarch who is steamrolling the Constitution and stealing from taxpayers. —

Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025 Minnelli struck back with a $2 million suit claiming Gest had stolen money from her. —

Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025

Noun

Takeaways Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish defensive effort included six blocks and 16 steals in addition to harassing Stanford into 31% shooting. Stanford: If Agara’s injury is long term, a rough season is about to get even rougher for the Cardinal. —

Curt Rallo, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 Goodwin most recently played for the Lakers’ South Bay G League affiliate, averaging 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, three assists and 1.8 steals (24 minutes) in 17 games. —

Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for steal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal

Verb

In a video shared on RT’s YouTube channel, Burns is seen pulling up the company’s offices in Austin, swiping in — and entering a cavernous, dark studio.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025
Meantime, seventh-rounder Kai Roberts swiped 14 bases, swatted his first professional homer and hit .340/.414/.470 in 24 games after the draft at low Single-A Lake Elsinore.

— Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025