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
Brisas de Maiquetía has not been spared from looting, a problem affecting all of La Guaira. Julimar Valentina Rivas Perez, NBC news, 24 July 2026 But our excitement fades as Nolan’s camera captures the men raping women, looting houses and reveling in the violence. Brent Lang, Variety, 21 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
  • The European Court of Human ​Rights ruled in 2014 that Hungary had sacked Baka for criticism ​of the ⁠government and that his removal did damage to democratic freedoms in Hungary.
    Reuters, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The offense couldn’t run the ball, and Dart was sacked three times early by defensive tackles Darius Alexander and Josh Tupou and safety Tyler Nubin.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • New lighting and wall labels, redesigned layouts, and the introduction of new services are all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, while the Uffizi will protect its treasures through improved conservation and security schemes.
    News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Louisiana Located along Baton Rouge's eclectic Government Street corridor, Circa 1857 and The Pink Elephant are must-stops for travelers who love uncovering one-of-a-kind treasures with a story.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But trying to compete for top talent against clubs across Europe and South America – among other regions – requires having money to spend.
    John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The project has transformed the Burchardi Church, which was left largely in ruins before money was raised for a new roof and other fixes to make the piece a reality.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Sometimes the very entities owning these hospitals and nursing homes are purposely bankrupting them, pillaging them of their value to maximize the owners’ profits.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Canada halted production of its one-cent coin in 2012 and distribution in 2013 after a short transition period, while existing pennies remain legal tender.
    Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The platform has an immense range of products available for purchase, ranging from rare coins and sports memorabilia to appliances and furniture.
    Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Members of the Montreal City Police Department found the weapon, a Glock 26, on August 30, 2024, when officers raided a home in relation to a kidnapping investigation, court records show.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In September of 2022, Spanish police arrested an Irishman suspected of laundering money for the Kinahan organization after raiding a property in Malaga on the Costa del Sol.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loot. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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