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
• knock over
• kidnap
• poach
• shoplift
• rifle
• 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
• bonus
• snip
• pennyworth
• clearance
• present
• premium
• closeout
• windfall
• giveaway
• freebie
• markdown
• boon
• cheapie

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

Connor’s star has been on the rise since his scene-stealing role in the Netflix series Heartstopper, recently reprising the role in a movie spinoff Heartstopper Forever. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

Stanley Kubrick stole liberally from silent films, using ‘The Phantom Carriage’ for ‘The Shining’ and ‘Our Heavenly Bodies’ for ‘2001’. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026

Noun

Brionna Jones came off the bench to contribute 14 points and five rebounds, and Rhyne Howard added nine points while recording four steals — her 15th game this season with three or more steals. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Right-hander Adrian Houser got Manny Machado to pop out, but Tatis and Rengifo executed a double steal and France lined a ball to center to open up a 6-0 lead. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing steal

• steal (from)