Synonyms of thief

thief

noun

ˈthēf 

as in robber

one who steals

a thief has been stealing wallets and valuables from the lockers at the gym

Synonyms & Similar Words

• robber
• burglar
• kidnapper
• stealer
• pirate
• smuggler
• pincher
• bandit
• hijacker
• housebreaker
• embezzler
• pickpocket
• pilferer
• kleptomaniac
• larcenist
• safecracker
• purloiner
• shoplifter
• grafter
• picklock
• cat burglar
• plunderer
• looter
• cracksman
• highwayman
• cutpurse
• klepto
• abductor
• sneak thief
• carjacker
• ravisher
• pillager
• rustler
• footpad
• skyjacker
• poacher
• mugger
• despoiler
• dip
• ransacker

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of thief

All that remains are bronze, bare feet after thieves sawed off a statue of Jesus at Christ Our Savior Catholic Church in Santa Ana. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

At the same time, thousands of potential thieves were laid off from work and sent home from school. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

These zipper clips from Zelin come in remarkably handy for locking the zippers together on your day bag or luggage, a strategy that Steves recommends while out and about in order to make your bag more difficult for would-be thieves to access. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2026

In the prisoner’s dilemma, a pair of thieves have been captured and are being separately interrogated by the police. — Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026