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

He was previously arrested on charges police described as a string of vehicle trespass and property thefts. — Sarah Ford, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026

Still, Republicans are hoping a fraud scandal involving the widespread theft of public funds will give them an opening up and down the ballot. — Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

The threat of session cookie theft has grown as 2FA, passkeys and similar protections have become more common. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026

The incident is just the latest theft at a major museum in Europe. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 10 Aug. 2026