plural thieves
ˈthēvz 
: one that steals especially stealthily or secretly
also
: one who commits theft or larceny
Examples of thief in a Sentence
A thief took my purse.
a thief has been stealing wallets and valuables from the lockers at the gym
Recent Examples on the Web
Her life’s work was stolen early Monday when thieves swiped a shipping box containing many of her puppets from outside her Beachwood Canyon apartment.
—
Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The attention attracts con artist Jacob (Robbie Allen), who sends three clumsy thieves led by Kodiak (Richmond) to steal the kangaroo and appease the wealthy Kathryn (Kinmont) and her ailing son.
—William Earl, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Police have previously warned drivers about car theft going high-tech, including one method where thieves can hack and reprogram your car's key fob.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Long-haul and overnight flights, for example, give thieves ample time and opportunity to peruse through suitcases and personal item bags while passengers are asleep, says Figgins.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thief
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Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
The attention attracts con artist Jacob (Robbie Allen), who sends three clumsy thieves led by Kodiak (Richmond) to steal the kangaroo and appease the wealthy Kathryn (Kinmont) and her ailing son.
—William Earl, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
Police have previously warned drivers about car theft going high-tech, including one method where thieves can hack and reprogram your car's key fob.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Long-haul and overnight flights, for example, give thieves ample time and opportunity to peruse through suitcases and personal item bags while passengers are asleep, says Figgins.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thief
Cite this Entry
“Thief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thief. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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