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
From Christopher Rich as Brock to Melissa Peterman as the scene-stealing Barbra Jean, Reba had one of the most underrated casts on television. Eric King, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025 Think soaring ceilings, mid-century swagger at the dramatic Shelborne Bar, and a mint-green pool anchored by its original 1950s diving board — lovingly restored and still stealing the show. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 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
  • From getting a bargain on bulk household supplies to seasonal favorites that only come around one time per year, Costco offers consumers no shortage of deals.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The suspect on the lam in Holliday Park — around 30 pounds, ash gray, pronounced snout — will not respond to reason, pleas, threats or bargains.
    Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Three years before the famed film was released, Wojtowicz and a friend held up a Brooklyn bank in a 14-hour hostage ordeal, allegedly robbing the bank to help pay for his transgender partner’s gender-affirming surgery.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • We’ve been truly robbed of many things throughout the 2020s.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 3 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
  • These Prime Big Deal Days headphone deals sound pretty sweet to us.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • But the Finnish winger, who turns 29 this month, now looks to have some stability after signing an eight-year, $96 million deal upon his arrival in Dallas.
    Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 7 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
  • Currently, Wisconsin law limits only delta-9 THC, allowing other intoxicating compounds to slip through the cracks.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Ferrari is currently battling for the second spot in the Constructors' Championship with Red Bull and Mercedes, after slipping to third.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on steal

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