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

Investigators say most of the theft happened in the next 20 minutes. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

With much of the credit going to engine immobilizers, car theft rates fell 80% between 1990 and 2020, according to Security Journal. — Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 29 Oct. 2026

The theft, eventually totaling about $390,000, continued until September 2025, the agreement said. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Five men were later convicted and sentenced to six years in prison connection with the theft. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2026