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

Unlike shoplifting, which is clearly transactional and morally coded, hotel theft exists in a fuzzier psychological space. — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026

Martin was charged with kidnapping, theft by taking, simple battery, entering an automobile, cruelty to children and criminal attempt to commit a felony, according to police. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

The largest category shifted, too — from theft and larceny in the earlier years to vandalism more recently. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026

The suspect was charged with second-degree felony cattle theft, a serious offense in Texas. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026