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 duo shared an apartment and both had extensive criminal histories, including theft and financial scams, across various states. — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

The statue stood for more than a decade becoming a proud symbol of Del Paso Boulevard and the surrounding Old North Sacramento neighborhood before its theft in September. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office says the theft happened last week at Garrison Cemetery off Garrison Bay. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

In fact, the recent regulations from the Treasury Department do little to hide the exclusion and theft rampant in the program. — Denise Forte, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026