1
as in swipes
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sneaks
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
as in bargains
something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price
at 50% off, that shirt is a real steal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 steals
Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, the team is sent to steal it back on what would be for anyone else a suicide mission.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Dahlia, a disillusioned police aide, breaks into the mansion of the corrupt police chief Bernal and steals the money from his safe, unloading the funds to slum dwellers whose settlement Bernal razed down.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
Everyone on stage mesmerizes, yet Christopher Nell as The Boy, a barrel of laughs and an acrobat, nonetheless steals the show.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Simone Ashley, in little moments, steals every scene.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 May 2026
Jackie Young racks up 3s, dimes and steals with an unshakable cool.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Denied children in life, a kuntilanak steals them, those in utero and those already born.
—Literary Hub, 5 May 2026
What is it called when someone steals your coffee?
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 May 2026
Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Canada also came up with three steals, giving the Dream a spark on both ends of the floor.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Memorial Day sales, summer travel deals and seasonal shopping steals have arrived and the USA TODAY Shopping team is already tracking all of it.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Walker has recorded seven steals on nine attempts.
—Data Skrive, New York Times, 12 May 2026
His steals average last season ranked among the better marks in the Summit League and showcased the defensive activity Missouri values in its guard rotation.
—Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
Oklahoma State recruit Jacsen Tucker went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two steals for Oswego East (14-13, 6-7).
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
Verb
Some believe Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the national bird because the eagle steals food from other birds, but Kochersperger said that’s a myth.
—Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, the team is sent to steal it back on what would be for anyone else a suicide mission.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Dahlia, a disillusioned police aide, breaks into the mansion of the corrupt police chief Bernal and steals the money from his safe, unloading the funds to slum dwellers whose settlement Bernal razed down.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
Everyone on stage mesmerizes, yet Christopher Nell as The Boy, a barrel of laughs and an acrobat, nonetheless steals the show.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Simone Ashley, in little moments, steals every scene.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 May 2026
Jackie Young racks up 3s, dimes and steals with an unshakable cool.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Denied children in life, a kuntilanak steals them, those in utero and those already born.
—Literary Hub, 5 May 2026
What is it called when someone steals your coffee?
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 May 2026
Noun
Carter was electric at both ends of the floor, leading the Aces with 27 points, shooting 13-for-16 from the field and adding eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Canada also came up with three steals, giving the Dream a spark on both ends of the floor.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Memorial Day sales, summer travel deals and seasonal shopping steals have arrived and the USA TODAY Shopping team is already tracking all of it.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Walker has recorded seven steals on nine attempts.
—Data Skrive, New York Times, 12 May 2026
His steals average last season ranked among the better marks in the Summit League and showcased the defensive activity Missouri values in its guard rotation.
—Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
Oklahoma State recruit Jacsen Tucker went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two steals for Oswego East (14-13, 6-7).
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steals
Verb
-
Geomagnetic conditions are expected to intensify late tonight into early tomorrow, if the CME swipes Earth, according to the latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
12 May 2026
-
In season one, Coop swipes jewelry, expensive wine, designer handbags and more to pay his alimony, child support and to keep up appearances in a neighborhood where appearances are all that matter.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While the males are fighting, the female sneaks off to get some quick action behind enemy lines.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
8 May 2026
-
On the eve of a family vacation, the eldest daughter sneaks out to see her boyfriend.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Kelly was one of the best bargains in hockey this year, scoring 21 goals despite making just $825,000.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
-
Or, in this new NIL world, where the bargains are found.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The story follows Tereza, a recent high school graduate whose life is upended by a relentless diagnosis that gradually robs her of her sight.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
6 May 2026
-
After seeing the financial circumstances of his community members, Sinise's character enters a bank — where Wilson is the guard — and robs it for cash.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Magnetic and funny, Maris easily draws people into her orbit, but her nocturnal habits hint at a dangerous violence that lurks beneath the surface.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
7 May 2026
-
Until then, private equity is the solution that lurks as a threat.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
But this number dwindles to just 22 percent in the festival’s marquee competition program, which features films that most often go on to win awards and land top distribution deals.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
-
The club, owned by Connecticut Sports Group, led by managing partner André Swanston, forged ahead with its inaugural season in MLS Next Pro anyway, securing deals to play around the state this year.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Fans start to notice what's happening about five seconds into it, and then another man comes up behind the fan, grabs him and tackles him into the seats.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
-
And if no candidate grabs a majority in either of those races, this district’s voters might have to go to the polls four times.—
East Bay Times editorial board,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
With that in mind, here are five standout single-gameweek picks who might also be great buys for the remainder of the season.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Statement Wreaths Statement wreaths were once associated with craft-store impulse buys, rather than considered design.—
Rachel Silva,
Martha Stewart,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Steals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steals. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
