theft

noun

ˈtheft How to pronounce theft (audio)
Synonyms of theft
1
a
: the act of stealing
specifically : the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it
b
: an unlawful taking (as by embezzlement or burglary) of property
2
: a stolen base in baseball
3
obsolete : something stolen

Synonyms of theft

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Examples of theft in a Sentence

The theft of the jewelry and other valuables was immediately reported to the police. He was found guilty of theft.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chinese automakers have benefitted from massive industrial subsidies and low environmental standards, as well as intellectual property theft. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026 The investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims are the parents of a man who allegedly participated in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin, according to court records. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026 Waldrop is facing felony charges in Parker County for misappropriation of funds and theft. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026 Investigators say most of the theft happened in the next 20 minutes. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theft

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thiefthe, from Old English thīefth; akin to Old English thēof thief

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of theft was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing theft

Rhymes for theft

See All Rhymes for theft

Browse Nearby Words

the French
theft
theftbote
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Cite this Entry

“Theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theft. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

theft

noun
ˈtheft How to pronounce theft (audio)
: the act of stealing

Legal Definition

theft

noun
: larceny
broadly : a criminal taking of the property or services of another without consent

Note: Theft commonly encompasses by statute a variety of forms of stealing formerly treated as distinct crimes.

— grand theft
: theft of property or services whose value exceeds a specified amount or of a specified kind of property (as an automobile)

Note: Grand theft is a felony.

— identity theft
: the unauthorized use of another's means of identification (as name or social security number) for the purpose of committing theft or another crime
— petty theft
: theft of property or services whose value is below a specified amount

called also petit theft

Note: Petty theft is a misdemeanor but may be aggravated by prior convictions.

Etymology

Old English thiefth

More from Merriam-Webster on theft

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about theft

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