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

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

But are the days of stealing instead of going to therapy numbered? —Nora Deligter, Curbed, 6 Mar. 2026

The competition — and another curling scandal — got underway even before the opening ceremony, when two stones were reported stolen from the Cortina venue. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

Noun

These plans start at $47, which is a steal considering competitors offer combo plans in the $60 range. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

Dixon finished with 8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals. —Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing steal

• steal (from)