Definition of lootnext

loot

2 of 2

verb

as in to plunder
to search through with the intent of committing robbery the bandits looted the archaeological dig before riding off into the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun loot differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of loot are booty, plunder, prize, spoils, and spoil. While all these words mean "something taken from another by force or craft," loot applies especially to what is taken from victims of a catastrophe.

picked through the ruins for loot

When could booty be used to replace loot?

While in some cases nearly identical to loot, booty implies plunder to be shared among confederates.

thieves dividing up their booty

When might plunder be a better fit than loot?

In some situations, the words plunder and loot are roughly equivalent. However, plunder applies to what is taken not only in war but in robbery, banditry, grafting, or swindling.

a bootlegger's plunder

In what contexts can prize take the place of loot?

Although the words prize and loot have much in common, prize applies to spoils captured on the high seas or territorial waters of the enemy.

the wartime right of seizing prizes at sea

How do spoil and spoils relate to one another, in the sense of loot?

Spoil, more commonly spoils, applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest.

the spoils of political victory

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 loot
Noun
Toek Tik did not know exactly where his loot ended up after leaving Cambodia. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 While the store's look hasn't changed too much over the decades, the loot has. John Lauritsen, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Verb
Weapons and gear will be looted throughout the run, but cannot be extracted. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 And his version is undeniably meant to speak to us now as well as to avoid some serious turnoffs, such as Odysseus’s boasts about looting and taking slaves. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loot
Noun
  • To the family’s lawyer, Markus Stötzel, the case is a typical example of Nazi plunder in need of immediate restoration.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026
  • The second — a fastball Horwitz hit about 100 mph for a double to right field — was the start of a Pirate plunder at Sutter Health Park.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Takaichi said last Thursday that Japan would cut the tax on food to 1% from 8% for two years from April 2027, and offer cash payments to offset the impact of that 1% on select groups.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Red Sox also received catcher Jake Rogers and cash considerations in the deal.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Or less than the payoff that Liam Rosenior allegedly received for being sacked as head coach after three months in charge.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • On Thursday, Bailey would have sacked Smith after splitting a double team from Membou and running back Breece Hall.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • An elegant conservatory, a beloved aquarium known for its shimmering jade green tiles reminiscent of an underwater tavern, and the small but excellent Dossin Great Lakes Museum are a few of the treasures found here.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • The idea of finding that lost treasure is universal, whether finding the Holy Grail or finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or finding Jesus.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2026
Noun
  • Villa’s desire to address this position has grown in prominence over the summer, with Jadon Sancho’s loan ending, Evann Guessand and Leon Bailey available to leave and Villa having the money to spend from Rogers’ sale.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Georgia voters should look twice before donating money to candidates this election season.
    Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • But Nolan also throws a meditative new wrinkle into the story, as Odysseus comes to grips with his role in the Trojan War, leading the charge as his men raped, murdered and pillaged in his name.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, a group of eastern kings pillage Sodom and Gomorrah and take Lot captive along with others.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Freezing dormant coins, supporters argue, beats letting a future quantum thief drain them and dump them on the market.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • After all, that’s a whole lot of coin even when your valuation is in the trillions.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • After he was elected, Wu and other council members were invited to participate in an interview at Su’s studio on San Bernardino Road in West Covina, the same building that was raided by the FBI last week.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Ever since, the couple have been through it all, from winter storms that dumped many inches of snow to ravens raiding their nest and eating their eggs.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loot. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on loot

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster