Synonyms of theft

theft

noun

ˈtheft 

1

as in robbery

the unlawful taking and carrying away of property without the consent of its owner

while violent crime in the city has decreased dramatically, rates of theft and vandalism have risen slightly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• robbery
• stealing
• larceny
• thievery
• kidnapping
• burglary
• abduction
• smuggling
• embezzlement
• piracy
• misappropriation
• shoplifting
• pilferage
• looting
• rustling
• graft
• pilfering
• misapplication
• hijacking
• housebreaking
• peculation
• embezzling
• plundering
• spoliation
• petit larceny
• carjacking
• rapine
• petty larceny
• poaching
• pillage
• despoliation
• banditry
• filching
• purloining
• despoilment
• shanghaiing
• black marketeering

2

as in snatching

an instance of theft

the police found the stolen car an hour after the theft was reported

Synonyms & Similar Words

• snatching
• grab
• mugging
• swiping
• heist
• burglary
• pinch
• break-in
• rip-off
• holdup
• stickup

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of theft

The former chief operating officer of Atlanta's High Museum of Art has pleaded guilty to a charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Jeffrey Ying, 39, had pleaded guilty to a single count of art theft last October. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026

The military has stepped up surveillance of oil facilities in the southern Niger Delta region to curb damage and theft. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 13 July 2026

Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 13 July 2026