embezzle

verb

Definition of embezzlenext
as in to steal
to steal money that you have been trusted with He was caught embezzling money from his clients.

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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 embezzle According to investigators, Rodriguez and Perez embezzled approximately $620,000 from Iron Container between 2020 and 2025. — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Ludlow pleaded guilty to a felony charge of conspiring to embezzle union funds in 2006. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 While an investigation determined that McCauley had embezzled at least $12 million, Cook believes the amount could be even higher. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 Darryl McCauley worked as the comedian’s business manager for several years until he was charged in 2008 with embezzling at least $12 million from Cook. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embezzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embezzle
  1. steal
  2. usurp
  3. misappropriate
Verb
  • That includes organizing plots to set fire to warehouses, launching drones and trying to kill enemies abroad as well as stealing defense technology and carrying out cyberattacks on critical European infrastructure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Weld County Sheriff's Office says a woman broke into a business in the 800 block of 25th Avenue on Friday and stole about $4,000 worth of copper wire.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Murray said that in recent spending negotiations, Democrats fought to include language to prevent the administration from usurping Congress’ power on spending decisions, but Republicans have declined to go along.
    — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The Founders never intended for the federal government to usurp the authority of your local school board or your homeowners’ association.
    — Sen. Rand Paul OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of usurp
Verb
  • The Yes campaign claims that the CEOs of some clinics are misappropriating taxpayer funds to inflate their own salaries, rather than putting the money toward patient care and clinic staffing.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Court findings, shared in 2025, showed that nearly 72% of the sheriff’s office spending was misattributed or misappropriated.
    — Yana Kunichoff, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of misappropriate

Browse Nearby Words

embellishments
embezzle
embezzled
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Cite this Entry

“Embezzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embezzle. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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