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

Proposition 36, approved by voters, increased criminal penalties for repeat thieves and drug users. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026

Smash-and-grab jewelry store thief Deavyn Holt ran last week through a Fort Worth mall and its parking lot as an armed security guard chased, according to a police account. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

In April, thieves staged a smash-and-grab heist at Elite Sports Cards in Chicago, stealing $100,000 in Pokémon cards, the store owner told ABC Chicago station WLS. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Artnet also notes that today marks the one-year anniversary of the Louvre heist in which thieves made off with pieces of France’s crown jewels. — News Desk, Artforum, 19 Oct. 2026