SHOPLIFTING Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

shoplifting 1 of 2

noun

as in pilfering

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shoplifting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of shoplift

as in poaching

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Dissimilar Words

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 shoplifting

Noun

Unlike shoplifting, which is clearly transactional and morally coded, hotel theft exists in a fuzzier psychological space. — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026 Many Londoners have firsthand experience of phone-snatching or have witnessed a surge in shoplifting and subway fare-dodging. — ABC News, 23 July 2026 At the same time, reported shoplifting bucked the trends of other property crimes, showing a 5% increase. — Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 State authorities have said that police were responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart when an officer fired at the car Kohen was in. — Bracey Harris, NBC news, 1 July 2026 The fatal shooting of a 1-year-old boy by police who were responding to a shoplifting call this past weekend has ignited simmering tensions between police and Black residents in the small town of Senatobia, Miss. — Travis Loller, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026 The measure, passed with the help of Democrats, directs federal immigration enforcement to detain and deport those without legal status charged with minor theft or shoplifting, assault of a law enforcement officer, or crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury of another person. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 20 June 2026 The fatal shooting of a 1-year-old boy by police who were responding to a shoplifting call this week has ignited simmering tensions between police and Black residents in the small town of Senatobia, Mississippi. — CBS News, 19 June 2026 Behind every incident of shoplifting, intimidation, verbal abuse or violence is a retail worker being asked to manage situations that are becoming increasingly volatile. — Alliance Manchester Business School, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shoplifting

Noun

In the second novel of the Amina al-Sirafi fantasy series, Chakraborty sets her pirate protagonist out onto the high seas for some perilous pilfering after being dragged into her partner’s problems.

— Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

Definition of pilfering

Verb

However, that plan seems to have hit a snag, as days before the Codex Micro appeared, Apple sued OpenAI, accusing it of stealing trade secrets to build its hardware and of poaching ex-Apple staff for confidential product details.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
This is not an endorsement of poaching in a disruptive sense, but seamless recruitment from the client side can be a win-win.

— Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of poaching

Noun

He has since been charged with kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering an automobile, cruelty to children and criminal attempt to commit a felony.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
Saleem Martin, 21, has been charged with kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering automobile, cruelty to children, and criminal attempt to commit a felony, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of kidnapping

Noun

The local government had been in turmoil as members threw around allegations of embezzlement, filed lawsuits, and obtained restraining orders against each other, the outlet reported.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026
Jurors could not reach verdicts on 18 charges involving embezzlement, conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds.

— Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Definition of embezzlement

Noun

Lackey was charged with unarmed burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, criminal mischief and interruption of critical infrastructure, according to the booking report.

— Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Lackey is accused of burglary, criminal mischief and interrupting critical infrastructure.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of burglary

Verb

The popular set tends to sell quickly, so consider grabbing one while fall-favorite shades like dusty olive, terracotta, and mauve are still in stock.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
Sophie Cunningham is grabbing the attention of women's advocacy groups.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of grabbing

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shoplifters

shoplifting

shoplifts

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Style

“Shoplifting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shoplifting. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shoplifting

noun

verb

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