Synonyms of larceny

larceny

noun

ˈlär-sə-nē 

as in robbery

the unlawful taking and carrying away of property without the consent of its owner

the security guard waited until the shoplifter had actually left the store with the item, so as to have proof of larceny

Synonyms & Similar Words

• robbery
• stealing
• theft
• thievery
• kidnapping
• burglary
• embezzlement
• abduction
• shoplifting
• graft
• petit larceny
• housebreaking
• peculation
• smuggling
• misappropriation
• misapplication
• petty larceny
• looting
• embezzling
• pilfering
• carjacking
• pilferage
• rustling
• rapine
• piracy
• hijacking
• spoliation
• plundering
• pillage
• despoliation
• poaching
• banditry
• filching
• purloining
• despoilment
• shanghaiing
• black marketeering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of larceny

Richard Johnson, 32, of Detroit, was arraigned on Monday at 16th District Court in Livonia on one count each of felony larceny and felony larceny from a motor vehicle, along with six counts of misdemeanor larceny, Livonia police said. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

McCauley pleaded guilty to larceny, embezzlement and other charges (along with his wife, Erika) and was ordered to pay back the $12 million. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

He was charged with multiple felonies, including larceny after breaking and entering, second-degree burglary and safe cracking. — Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026

The largest category shifted, too — from theft and larceny in the earlier years to vandalism more recently. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026