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steal

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noun

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

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 steal
Verb
Roberts and Robinson, who federal prosecutors say conducted the scheme over the course of five years, between 2018 and 2023, allegedly stole $900,000 from the court system. Kansas City Star, 13 Sep. 2025 Unbeknownst to them, the underlying tech for M3GAN has been stolen and misused by a powerful defense contractor to create a military-grade weapon known as Amelia (Sakhno), the ultimate killer infiltration spy. Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
At 45 percent off, this foldable, reversible, waterproof, and durable piece is a steal. Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Over 23 minutes, the Joker dropped 23 points, 10 boards, three dimes, two blocks and two steals. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal
Verb
  • What To Know The Liquid Glass interface not only updates the home screen but transforms interactions within apps like Music, where users can now swipe between views instead of tapping.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • This is a guy who swiped 32 bases a year ago and socked 28 homers two years ago.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Aloe vera sneaks in lightweight hydration, and wheat protein helps strengthen to keep breakage at bay.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Read about a man who has snuck into prestigious events for nearly a decade.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Amazon’s home department is having an end-of-season sale with bargain deals on outdoor furniture and accessories.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Democratic government that followed largely left that bargain intact, choosing stability over justice.
    Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • It must also be said that, for all the lamenting of the Netherlands’ failure to win, West Germany — and Muller — were robbed of a clear goal in the second half due to an erroneous offside flag.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
  • An insecure performer robs an audience of its belief in both the character and the entire enterprise.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This quiz invites you to explore the darker corners of sci-fi literature, where monsters lurk not just in shadows, but in laboratories, alien worlds and post-apocalyptic wastelands.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Plus, a predatory stranger lurking on Roblox can’t DM their child on a landline.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • European firms still face challenges in securing access to crucial rare earths from China, a business lobby warned Wednesday, despite a July deal to speed up exports.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
  • While the event, which is being called the Prime Big Deal Days, doesn’t kick off until October 7th and 8th, the best early deals are already popping off.
    Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Plus, grab knife sets and a nifty electric can opener to streamline your cooking.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
  • As Jey checked on Jimmy, LA Knight grabbed the steel chair and teased hitting Jey Uso.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What could have been a transformative meditation on mourning too often slips into surface-level spectacle, leaving the audience to piece together meaning from a scattershot collage of influences.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The attempt was tipped and brought in by Locke, who slipped loose into the secondary before taking off for a 64-yard touchdown reception.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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