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
Flagg had another strong preseason outing, tallying 11 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals in 24 minutes, and Knueppel scored 12 points in the Mavericks’ 120-116 loss to the Hornets. Christian Clark, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Superwide-leg Jeans These jeans are the fall denim steal—just $30 for a pair that feels designer-level. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal
Verb
  • Eight, maybe nine years removed from swiping worms from the corner store and lifting loose change from cars in the mall parking lot.
    Allen Iverson, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
  • After the fumble, head coach Jonathan Gannon was incensed and got into the face of Demercado, making physical contact and swiping at him.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 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
  • In grabbing McNeeley in the same class as Knueppel, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte wanted to infuse its roster with youthful players boasting an old school mentality.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • If her vibe is all about being cute yet comfy, grab the matching shorts for extra brownie points.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 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 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on steal

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