Synonyms of steal

steal 1 of 2

verb

ˈstēl 

1

as in to swipe

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

the guy who tried to steal my car was sentenced to a year in jail

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to sneak

to move about in a sly or secret manner

the teenagers were able to steal past a security guard and enter the fairgrounds without paying admission

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sneak
• lurk
• slip
• slide
• mouse
• crawl
• snake
• slink
• shirk
• creep
• skulk
• mooch
• tiptoe
• pussyfoot
• worm
• ghost
• pad
• edge
• inch

steal

2 of 2

noun

as in bargain

something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price

at 50% off, that shirt is a real steal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bargain
• deal
• buy
• gift
• snip
• bonus
• pennyworth
• clearance
• present
• premium
• closeout
• windfall
• markdown
• giveaway
• freebee
• freebie
• cheapie
• boon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• overcharge
• gouging
• soaking
• markup
• rip-off
• luxury
• surcharge
• extravagance

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb steal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of steal are filch, pilfer, and purloin. While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," 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

In what contexts can filch take the place of steal?

The meanings of filch and steal largely overlap; however, filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously.

filched an apple from the tray

When might pilfer be a better fit than steal?

While the synonyms pilfer and steal are close in meaning, pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts.

pilfered from his employer

When could purloin be used to replace steal?

The synonyms purloin and steal are sometimes interchangeable, but purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes.

printed a purloined document

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of steal

Verb

In 2023, some GiveDirectly staff in the Democratic Republic of Congo stole over $1 million intended for families in extreme poverty, roughly 1% of the total cash dispensed by GiveDirectly that year. —Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025

Our Idea House is open for tours from August 14 through December 21, but in the meantime, steal a sneak peek of all the decorating, landscape, and architectural inspiration that awaits you in Keswick Estate. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025

Noun

Powell averaged a career-high 21.8 points to go with 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 41.8% on 7.1 three-point attempts per game for the Los Angeles Clippers last season. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2025

My top two RBs are solid, and if James Conner doesn’t hold up, Trey Benson will be a steal. —Jay Felicio, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing steal

• steal (from)