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

Since the power went out, there has been a spate of generator thefts in his neighborhood, said Calvin Boone, 44, a father of four. — Selina Guevara, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026

The field is expanding to include thieves from other sectors, lured by the comparatively low-risk, high-reward nature of art thefts. — News Desk, Artforum, 24 Aug. 2026

The Xchkrm Anti-theft Phone Wrist Strap slips around your wrist like a bracelet and features an adjustable buckle to secure your phone against potential drops or theft. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2026

Two people were arrested in connection with an allegedly unprovoked assault and theft at a San Bernardino apartment complex hot tub last week, according to police. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026