PILFER Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of pilfer are filch , purloin , and steal . While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts. // pilfered from his employer

Q: When is it sensible to use 'filch' instead of 'pilfer'?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'purloin' take the place of 'pilfer'?

In some situations, the words purloin and pilfer are roughly equivalent. However, purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes. // printed a purloined document

Q: When is 'steal' a more appropriate choice than 'pilfer'?

While the synonyms steal and pilfer are close in meaning, 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

pilfer

verb

ˈpil-fər

Definition of pilfer next

as in to steal

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep what sort of person would pilfer lunches from the office refrigerator?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pilfer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pilfer are filch, purloin, and steal. While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts.

pilfered from his employer

When is it sensible to use filch instead of pilfer?

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

filched an apple from the tray

In what contexts can purloin take the place of pilfer?

In some situations, the words purloin and pilfer are roughly equivalent. However, purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes.

printed a purloined document

When is steal a more appropriate choice than pilfer?

While the synonyms steal and pilfer are close in meaning, 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

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 pilfer The wolf, painted on a white satellite dish in Peckham, south London, was pilfered by a hooded trio in broad daylight on Thursday. —

George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 10 Aug. 2024 Federal taxpayer dollars are also being pilfered, emerging data shows, as researchers urge more government action to address the chronic issue. —

Sarah Lapidus, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2024 Mizuhara began placing sports bets with Bowyer in September 2021 and then pilfered from Ohtani to cover the debts, authorities previously said. —

Cindy Vonquednow, CNN, 1 Aug. 2024 Jho has since been accused of masterminding a money laundering and bribery scheme that pilfered billions from the Malaysian state investment fund known as 1MDB. —

Michael Kunzelman and Lindsay Whitehurst, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for pilfer