steal 1 of 2

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
He was sentenced to die in 1983 for raping and strangling a woman in Newberry County and stealing her jewelry, according to court records. Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 According to court documents from Carroll County, Maryland obtained by Variety, the charges allege that the Osefos falsely claimed to have been burglarized in April 2024, and that items from their home were stolen (designer bags and jewelry). Kate Aurthur, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
Wilson earned her third DPOY award after leading the league in blocks, whereas Thomas finished in the top five in steals and rebounding. Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 These steals are worth shouting about, especially since so many are 2025 Best of Beauty winners or have been thoroughly tested by our editors. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal
Verb
  • After a brief scuffle between the two players, Noel held on to the ball, though Alexander swiped his hand at him in frustration as tensions rose.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Franklin swiped defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Ohio State, coming off a national championship.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Billie sneaks out and finds where Morsus is keeping Quentin.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In need of a place to hide out, Manchester sneaks into a Toys R’ Us in Charlotte.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Merritt was also a bargain hunter, tracking down deals on the internet.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The latest deal takes the bargain to a whole new level.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Based on a true story, Roofman follows the adventures of an Army veteran and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname Roofman.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Their online childhoods also robbed them of life skills best learned by leaving the house.
    Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, 62 laps and humid conditions stood in his way, with Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris lurking not far behind.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Beneath such moves often lurks a selfish desire to soothe increasing anxiety, unrest, and potentially even boredom.
    Kurt Strovink, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Israeli government approved the historic deal to end the conflict in Gaza.
    Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The talks may not result in a final deal, but at present Coinbase appears to have the inside track over Mastercard.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The ball popped up in the air and Bolton was there to grab it, except he was hit by teammate Drue Tranquill.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Sasaki was the necessary answer on Monday night, coming in to secure the final out and avoid disaster as Freddie Freeman sprawled out to grab Tommy Edman’s final throw to first base.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While Google still dominates the search market and has taken steps to integrate AI into the search experience, its market share has been slipping.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • In winter, Montréal slips into snow-globe mode, all candlelit bistros and cozy gastropubs serving warming local classics from gourmet poutine to tourtière.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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