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

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

In Phoenix, Arizona, a woman said her signs were stolen multiple times. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The long-lasting falsehoods about the 2020 election, including former President Trump’s persistent claim President Biden stole the last election, has sparked fears that misinformation and disinformation could rapidly spread online and sow distrust in the official electoral process. —

Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

In 2024, Roberts' steal of second base in Game 4 swung momentum in favor of the Red Sox like no play had ever done before. —

Mark Osborne, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2024 Devin Booker led the Suns’ comeback with 40 points, five rebounds, eight assists and three steals, shooting 61.1% from the floor and making five of his nine three-point attempts. —

Matias Grez, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for steal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal

Verb

The defensive back took a bad angle while chasing down star Ravens wideout Zay Flowers, then took a worse one while trying to close, swiping at shoulder pads in the open field instead of wrapping up low.

Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
In each election cycle, people have swiped to keep up—and also confronted new levels of toxicity.

Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024