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
Per officers, a pair of Air pod Max pros stolen from the vehicle were traced to a location redacted in the report. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025 The chase involved a 16-year-old accused of stealing a vehicle before fleeing from police, according to WJBK. Mike Stunson july 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Noun
Conversely, Wings rookie and Clark's former college rival Paige Bueckers had 21 points four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 The former Rutgers star finished with 16 points, six rebounds, two steals, and one block. Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for steal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal
Verb
  • Now, though, Tinder cofounder Justin Mateen swiped right on the property, purchasing it alongside his brother Tyler and Culver Capital for $82.2 million.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
  • These tiny Android-style slabs can be swiped up for battery info and swiped left or right to navigate the screens.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • This snack is a great way to sneak even more protein into your kid’s diet.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Dianne witnessed Tiffany sneaking the card into her back pocket and confronted her.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Mitchell proved to be a revelation, as well as somewhat of a rotation bargain with his return on the two-year, $24 million free-agency agreement reached a week ago.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • Plenty of other retailers are offering discounts and bargains this week, including Walmart, REI, Target, Wayfair, Best Buy, and Home Depot.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Menzies was convicted of the 1986 murder of 26-year-old Maurine Hunsaker, a married mother of three who was kidnapped, robbed, strangled, and found tied to a tree with her throat slit.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • Three years later, Armando Galarraga didn’t, robbed by a wrong call by first-base umpire Jim Joyce — who owned up to it almost immediately — in the days before instant replay.
    Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • These brief Charley moments are frankly much more dynamic than any repetitive scene of Dexter lurking around his son.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 July 2025
  • The incident comes as paranoia surrounding the possibility of a serial killer lurking within the New England region grips the area following a series of unexplained deaths in recent months.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • By the end of the original 10-year deal, MLS rights may very well be worth at least what Apple paid for them – especially as sports increasingly dominate live TV.
    John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Boston could try to land a star prospect or two from a contending team in a deal for Chapman.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • To find your nearest 7-Eleven and grab a free Slurpee, search the store locator on 7-Eleven's website.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Imagined herself back in her closet, throwing the silky dress over her head, her arms slipping into the sleeves, the skirt falling over her like water.
    Mona Awad, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • The elevated mini dress is a chill, one-and-done staple for the summer, with more than one way to go about it to fit it into your own personal style lexicon: think elegant shift dresses, easy linens, lacy slips, and more sporty numbers.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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