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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of steal

Verb

The suspects primarily steal high-value items, including designer purses and jewelry. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Shots were fired at his home, and he's suspected of stealing classified intel and killing his supervisor, Benjamin Wallace (Michael Masini). —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Feb. 2026

Noun

Alex Ortega 17 points, 3 steals. —Josh Krockey, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Aaron Clark scored 29 points, Styles Phipps had 19 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and five steals, and Pepperdine beat Portland 95-87 on Wednesday night. —ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing steal

• steal (from)