steal 1 of 2

steal

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noun

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
Thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris and stole priceless jewelry before escaping on motorbikes, French officials said Sunday. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025 Several pieces of jewelry belonging to Napoleon and the Empress Eugenie had been stolen, according to French newspaper Le Parisien. Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
At under $50, this coat is a total steal that’s sure to make even the simplest of airport outfits look sophisticated. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025 The 6-5 Allen, the DiRenna Award winner the past two years, hit his only shot, a 3, while recording a steal while playing six minutes of the 15-minute scrimmage. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal
Verb
  • In a world where people have grown increasingly accustomed to finding love by swiping right or left, this little Irish town and its festival offers something different.
    Bernadette Keith, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Give it a quick shake to mix the milky layers, swipe it on, and watch rough, uneven skin do a 180.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kevin sneaks his way into a room at the Plaza Hotel and gets up to his usual shenanigans in the building, which was owned in real life by Donald at the time, with Ivana serving as the property's president.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Jim snuck in and took an aisle seat as the lights dimmed.
    Jon Landau, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Bauer thinks one reason there are still 5,000 customers without service is that many may be bargain-hunting.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Succession worries mean that Japan is likely to remain a growth market, and a fertile ground for PE firms hunting for bargain deals.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Louvre was robbed The museum is closed while police investigate.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Directed by Sara Talab, this evocative period drama unfolds in 1960s Jeddah, where a young musician’s life is upended when illness robs him of his hearing.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Roynon explains that color can lift good feng shui energy and mute any negative energy that may be lurking around.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
  • However, Zandi still sees a precarious situation with many risks lurking that could flip the economy.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Will that mean a five-year, $150 million deal or a more club-friendly contract around $130 million?
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The city appeared to have reached the final stage of awarding a three-year, $27 million deal to a new security company on several occasions this year.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Casanovas’ use of the brand as a platform for self-expression has clearly grabbed attention among his Gen Z peers.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • So instead of getting out your sad, chipped mixing bowls as your backup serving pieces, grab a three-piece set of these Trudeau porcelain serving bowls.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Buffett’s master class on the problem with gold The price of gold slipped on Friday after hitting a record high above $4,300 an ounce earlier this week.
    Alex Crippen, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The sophomore slipped past a tackler, then took off for a 51-yard touchdown reception to slice the deficit to 16-13.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on steal

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