Synonym Chooser

How does the verb pilfer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pilfer are filch, purloin, and steal. While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts.

pilfered from his employer

When is it sensible to use filch instead of pilfer?

The meanings of filch and pilfer largely overlap; however, filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously.

filched an apple from the tray

In what contexts can purloin take the place of pilfer?

In some situations, the words purloin and pilfer are roughly equivalent. However, purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes.

printed a purloined document

When is steal a more appropriate choice than pilfer?

While the synonyms steal and pilfer are close in meaning, steal may apply to any surreptitious taking of something and differs from the other terms by commonly applying to intangibles as well as material things.

steal jewels
stole a look at the gifts

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 pilfer Jennie Garth shares a piece of 90210 history with her daughter — plus a pair of boots Fiona had already pilfered. Alex Apatoff, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The daughter of Stan Lee, J.C., has settled a lawsuit against Max Anderson, the comic book legend’s former longtime road manager accused of elder abuse and pilfering tens of millions of dollars in memorabilia, autograph revenue and appearance fees. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025 Most of what’s found doesn’t really apply to the gameplay in real time — even the guns pilfered from enemy corpses end up being marginal upgrades best used as a swap once ammo is low. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025 China has engaged in history’s largest and most sophisticated theft of IP—targeting or pilfering U.S. IP, technologies, and research from nearly every U.S. industry, companies from start-ups to the Fortune 100, and universities. Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pilfer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilfer
steal
Verb
  • And like the most recent case out of Iowa, stealing someone else’s flag to burn could also be criminal, the organization said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • Also starring Clooney in a leading role, The Monuments Men tells the true story of a group of museum curators, art historians and architects tasked with an unlikely mission: tracking down and recovering priceless works of art stolen by the Nazis before they’re destroyed forever.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pilfer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilfer. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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