sneak thief

noun

Synonyms of sneak thiefnext
: a thief who steals whatever is readily available without using violence or forcibly breaking into buildings

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sneak thief was circa 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Sneak thief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sneak%20thief. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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