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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
The group later stole Samsung electronics valued at $14,081, authorities alleged. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 June 2025 The following week, Steve Bannon came on the show and said that the 2020 election was stolen; Newsom let this slide. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
Noun
At 39% off for the Titanium Gray and Titanium White models, this is a steal. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 20 June 2025 How many 20-year-olds enter the league with a statistical baseline of 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game? James Jackson, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for steal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal
Verb
  • With the app culture, and swiping culture, people are very image focused.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 18 June 2025
  • The first possession of an OKC game often includes some player swiping at another.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Cane then sneaks up from behind and kills Grady’s men, freeing his father.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 21 June 2025
  • Universal Studios Florida began its iteration of the attraction in 1990, SyFy noted, featuring, of course, a (mechanical) great white shark that snuck up on riders of the boat tour.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • If that’s who Brown can be going forward, a $3 million deal could be a bargain for an average forward (where the cost can rise above $4 million) rather than the poor deal shown above.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The last trade truce with China, from a month ago in Geneva, fell apart after just a couple of weeks when Trump lashed out at Beijing and accused officials of not holding up their end of the bargain.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • McNeil made a highlight-reel catch in the first inning to rob Marcell Ozuna of extra bases, scaling the wall in center field, and giving Holmes a chance to pitch with zeroes on the board.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
  • Thompson said the shooters were wearing masks and trying to rob her son and his friends.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • But in the background still lurk the conditions and trends that has spurred allocators away from the USD.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 18 June 2025
  • Beyond our villa, wildlife lurked in the forest, and several members of the resort’s staff were, like Nando, natural naturalists.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • The 18-year-old joins from BSC YB Frauen on a four-year deal to become the Women’s Super League (WSL) club’s second signing of the summer.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Trump had repeatedly urged Iran to make a deal on its nuclear program before striking its nuclear facilities, but the country pulled out of ongoing talks with the U.S. scheduled for June 15 in Oman and refused to return to the table in the following days.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • In the few months since its launch, JD.com has grabbed 7.5% of China’s food-delivery market after its daily meal orders reached 20 million on May 13, according to a May 14 research note from Blue Lotus Capital Advisors.
    Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • To help keep your home safe (and know when your Prime Day packages arrive), grab a Ring Battery Doorbell with Indoor Cam for under $150.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Notifications ping, Slack channels light up, and deep work slips further away.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Inside each room, guests can slip into traditional Japanese house garb (provided complimentary by the hotel), admire modern decor by designer Tony Chi, or take a dip in the jacuzzi-style tub.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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