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

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently named the Minnesota Twins as a surprise landing spot to swoop in and steal Pivetta. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 Given the challenges coming from Beijing, justices said Washington was within its power to deny it one of its strongest toeholds out of concern that it could be used to surveil Americans, steal their secrets, and feed them a stream of propaganda useful to China’s big-picture goals. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 28 Jan. 2025

Noun

Eason had 16 points, 12 rebounds and three steals against the Kings in December. —

Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 16 Jan. 2025 In 825 career regular-season games, Williams averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.7 rebounds per game. —

Jon Paul Hoornstra, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for steal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal

Verb

Hao orders them to swipe right on every profile on dating apps, and even encourages approaching random women en masse in shopping centers.

— J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Join 9 others in the comments View Comments Shoplifters often swipe smaller items with higher price tags.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025