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
Or in some cases, experts warn, these details could even be used to attempt to steal thousands of dollars from an older adult by falsely claiming their grandchild is in need of emergency help. Susan Tompor, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025 After crashing into the front of a jewelry store, multiple suspects stole an unidentified amount of jewelry from a San Jose jewelry store on Friday, authorities said. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
At 45 percent off, this foldable, reversible, waterproof, and durable piece is a steal. Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Over 23 minutes, the Joker dropped 23 points, 10 boards, three dimes, two blocks and two steals. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for steal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal
Verb
  • That delay came on the first day that passengers were able to swipe credit cards and ATM cards instead of Clipper cards in its new Tap and Ride system of pay.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The companies winning today are those that view payments as strategic capital flow tools, not just portals to swipe.
    Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Aloe vera sneaks in lightweight hydration, and wheat protein helps strengthen to keep breakage at bay.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Read about a man who has snuck into prestigious events for nearly a decade.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Durango Antique Market Hunt for bargains and hidden gems at the Durango Antique Market, a downtown storefront with more than 20 different vendors.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The extension looks like a bargain, however, given a Sports Illustrated report that both the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants were offering the 37-year-old quarterback more than $100 million.
    Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For Christians, the Bible is the word of God, and turning that word into short-form viral content robs it of its power.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But 1976 had nobody — and not even anybody, in fairness, who can feel particularly ‘robbed’ of an England cap.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Players must navigate nightmarish mazes where monsters lurk at every turn.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Triangle, one of many signature quirks of Fenway Park, lurks 420 feet from home plate.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Unlike traditional firms that lock clients into multi-year deals, Anderson emphasizes adaptability.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Nikolas Kokovlis | Nurphoto | Getty Images Online lender Klarna priced its IPO at $40 per share on Tuesday, above its expected range, in a deal that values the Swedish company at about $15 billion.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Video surveillance from the scene posted online by Fox 11 shows a man lingering near a doorway, quickly grabbing the gift box from a table and running out of the venue.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The owner wanted to keep the grab-and-go options previously offered in the space.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The ball slipped through Mason’s hands, and what would have been a touchdown turned into a turnover on downs, effectively ending the 49ers’ comeback hopes.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • By the episode's end, however, he's set his sights on Morgan, having surreptitiously slipped a note into her grocery bag.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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