Synonyms of purloin

purloin

verb

(ˌ)pər-ˈlȯin 

as in to steal

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep

the studio stepped up security, fearing that someone might attempt to purloin a copy of the script for the show's season finale

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steal
• filch
• swipe
• pilfer
• thieve
• grab
• lift
• snatch
• rob
• misappropriate
• appropriate
• pinch
• nip
• snitch
• pocket
• hook
• run off with
• hijack
• rip off
• walk off with
• nick
• make away with
• make off with
• heist
• take
• boost
• seize
• pick
• pillage
• plunder
• sack
• loot
• burglarize
• poach
• rifle
• shoplift
• kidnap
• abduct
• rustle
• knock over
• grasp
• spirit
• carjack
• nail
• collar
• sponge
• shanghai
• mooch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• buy
• purchase
• give
• contribute
• present
• bestow
• donate
• hand over

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb purloin differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of purloin are filch, pilfer, and steal. While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes.

printed a purloined document

When could filch be used to replace purloin?

The synonyms filch and purloin are sometimes interchangeable, but filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously.

filched an apple from the tray

When would pilfer be a good substitute for purloin?

The meanings of pilfer and purloin largely overlap; however, pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts.

pilfered from his employer

When can steal be used instead of purloin?

The words steal and purloin can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Recent Examples of purloin

Lou Schachter, who became a historical crime researcher after retiring from his corporate job, wondered if other works in the Alters’ estate might have also been purloined. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2025

And when purloined Democratic National Committee emails were leaked just ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Putin did not hide his glee. —Nathan Hodge, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024

For years, Huawei had been building up its research capacity, trying to shed its reputation as a low-cost provider whose tech came from purloining the discoveries of others. —Steven Levy, WIRED, 16 Nov. 2020

In 2022-23, before its richest teams were purloined by other power conferences, the average public Pac-12 athletic department spent $130.8 million and earned $121.5 million in revenue. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019

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