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

Another multi-thousand-dollar theft of trading cards occurred in July in South Jersey. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

Smaller travel bags are discounted, too, like the Travelon Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag for keeping valuables close while sightseeing. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2026

According to Green, while Gabriel was still incarcerated on the theft case, Green asked to speak with him again. — Yana Johnson, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

For one thing covetousness, as opposed to the more concrete sins like theft or murder or adultery, is a thought crime, and almost all that goes on here, happens within the minds of the characters. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026