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 The customer records were pilfered in a July breach. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 Small bulbs like crocus are probably the most commonly pilfered. Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025 Seven people are locked up for running a theft ring that included pilfering more than $800,000 in smoke detectors from Home Depot stores across Florida — including Miami-Dade, according to Attorney General James Uthmeier. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 The tale is pilfered from the Aeneid, but Virgil would blench to see the curtain rise on Jupiter, dandling Ganymede, a beautiful boy, upon his knee. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pilfer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilfer
steal
Verb
  • Multiple suspects have been arrested in connection with the brazen heist of crown jewels from the Louvre museum in Paris, a week after thieves stole millions of dollars worth of historic jewelry, the Paris prosecutor’s office said.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Marchenko kept the heat on by stealing a page from Johnson’s book of tricks, sliding it through Silovs’ pads.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pilfer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilfer. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pilfer

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