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

But locks evolved rapidly in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when growing numbers of city dwellers became increasingly concerned about rising theft and the security of their property. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Lewis was previously convicted of criminal offenses including assault, theft and carrying a firearm publicly, The Associated Press reported, citing court records. — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

The department said ALPRs have led to the arrests of suspects in cases of homicide, theft, child abuse, burglary and among other crimes. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

The theft eclipses previous high-profile wine robberies in Italy. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026