as in stole
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 pilfered
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
Though proceeds have boosted the country’s economy, some opposition leaders say much of it has been wasted or pilfered.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Though proceeds have boosted the country’s economy, some opposition leaders say much of it has been wasted or pilfered.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilfered
Verb
-
The writers’ allegations echoed dozens of other lawsuits brought by authors, news outlets, visual artists and others who say that tech companies stole their work to use in AI training.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
-
In December of that year, court records show that Bramble stole a City of Norwood Public Works pickup, fled from officers from at least two agencies and then tried to run away with a knife in his hand.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In a move that would make April Ludgate proud, Aubrey Plaza swiped some notes from then Vice President Joe Biden.—
Daysia Tolentino,
EW.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Michigan City Area Schools had to scramble to keep kids learning on Tuesday and Wednesday after thieves swiped more than 20 catalytic converters from the district’s bus yard.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pilfered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilfered. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share