Synonyms of pilfer

pilfer

verb

ˈpil-fər 

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

• steal
• swipe
• filch
• grab
• purloin
• thieve
• rob
• snatch
• lift
• misappropriate
• appropriate
• snitch
• pinch
• nip
• pocket
• hook
• nick
• rip off
• hijack
• run off with
• take
• boost
• plunder
• make away with
• make off with
• seize
• walk off with
• pick
• heist
• loot
• pillage
• sack
• burglarize
• knock over
• shoplift
• poach
• kidnap
• rifle
• abduct
• grasp
• rustle
• spirit
• carjack
• sponge
• nail
• mooch
• collar
• shanghai

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• buy
• purchase
• give
• contribute
• present
• bestow
• donate
• hand over

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pilfer

Brentford have pilfered their talented midfield linchpin Mamadou Sangare, while Crystal Palace prised away former manager Pierre Sage. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Jewelry and Watches Wearable valuables are fairly easy to pilfer, particularly if they’re left out in the open. — Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026

There’s no copper wiring, plumbing or scrap metal inside for people to pilfer. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

The malware itself is an infostealer, designed to pilfer credentials and other sensitive information from the system it’s deployed on, and the security firm SentinelOne believes a North Korean state actor is responsible for it. — Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026