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
• kidnap
• knock over
• poach
• shoplift
• rifle
• highjack
• 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
• snip
• bonus
• pennyworth
• clearance
• present
• premium
• closeout
• windfall
• markdown
• giveaway
• freebee
• freebie
• cheapie
• boon

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 singer, in turn, was caught up dancing with Fordham's mascot, a ram named Ramsey, who came close to stealing the show with his moves. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 May 2025

Police did not immediately have information on the type of sneaker that was stolen. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025

Noun

Competing for Team Williams, Bates tallied 19 points, two rebounds, an assist and two steals on 7-for-8 shooting from the field and a 4-for-5 clip from 3 in a 106-90 win over Team Domercant. —Andy Theobald, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025

After the Warriors’ Game 1 win, Butler averaged 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, five assists and one steal per game while shooting 45.8% from the field in Curry’s absence during the final four games of the playoff series. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025

Phrases Containing steal

• steal (from)