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 scheme is alleged to have been carried out between September 2019 and September 2025, when the theft was discovered. — News Desk, Artforum, 25 Sep. 2026

Eugene Field Park has experienced fires, theft, drug activity, assault and battery, significant dumping and environmental damage. — Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

His previous charges included rape, malicious wounding, assault and theft, DHS said. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Nelson has long been wary of China as a threat to the United States, noting his concerns about technology theft from the West. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026