PILFER Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pilfer

verb

ˈpil-fər

Definition of pilfer next

as in to steal

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep what sort of person would pilfer lunches from the office refrigerator?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples of pilfer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Jho has since been accused of masterminding a money laundering and bribery scheme that pilfered billions from the Malaysian state investment fund known as 1MDB. —

Michael Kunzelman and Lindsay Whitehurst, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024 Two owners of a Manhattan beauty supply store were accused Wednesday of peddling over $1 million worth of goods pilfered from shops like Macy’s, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. —

Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 8 May 2024 Over the years, Beatles fans have pilfered so many of the Penny Lane street signs that the city has had to affix them to metal posts. —

Dan Fellner, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2024 The danger arises if a hacker tricks the user into installing malware that accesses the Recall database and secretly pilfers sensitive information like passwords and financial account numbers. —

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 4 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for pilfer

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pilfer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.