PILFER Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'pilfer' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pilfer are filch , purloin , and steal . While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts. // pilfered from his employer

Q: When is it sensible to use 'filch' instead of 'pilfer'?

The meanings of filch and pilfer largely overlap; however, filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously. // filched an apple from the tray

Q: In what contexts can 'purloin' take the place of 'pilfer'?

In some situations, the words purloin and pilfer are roughly equivalent. However, purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes. // printed a purloined document

Q: When is 'steal' a more appropriate choice than 'pilfer'?

While the synonyms steal and pilfer are close in meaning, steal may apply to any surreptitious taking of something and differs from the other terms by commonly applying to intangibles as well as material things. // steal jewels // stole a look at the gifts

pilfer

verb

ˈpil-fər

Definition of pilfer

as in to steal

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep what sort of person would pilfer lunches from the office refrigerator?

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How does the verb pilfer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pilfer are filch, purloin, and steal. While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts.

pilfered from his employer

When is it sensible to use filch instead of pilfer?

The meanings of filch and pilfer largely overlap; however, filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously.

filched an apple from the tray

In what contexts can purloin take the place of pilfer?

In some situations, the words purloin and pilfer are roughly equivalent. However, purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes.

printed a purloined document

When is steal a more appropriate choice than pilfer?

While the synonyms steal and pilfer are close in meaning, steal may apply to any surreptitious taking of something and differs from the other terms by commonly applying to intangibles as well as material things.

steal jewels

stole a look at the gifts

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of pilfer There’s no copper wiring, plumbing or scrap metal inside for people to pilfer. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026 The malware itself is an infostealer, designed to pilfer credentials and other sensitive information from the system it’s deployed on, and the security firm SentinelOne believes a North Korean state actor is responsible for it. — Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026 In the 10th minute, Neil El Aynaoui pilfered the ball from Ryan Christie, then nearly capitalized on the ensuing counterattack, finding free space in front of an open net but overrunning Azzedine Ounahi’s cross. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026 What is that if not a direct license to keep even more public money pilfered via nonpayment, and a marker that the president and his inner circle are above the law? — New York Daily News, Twin Cities, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pilfer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilfer

steal

Verb

Catcher William Contreras then threw out Simpson attempting to steal second after Simpson slid off the bag.

— Zak Gilbert, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Tracy Letts steals the movie as a dryly observant United Artists studio head who’s eventually disarmed by Sly’s charms.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of steal

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pileups

pilfer

pilferage

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“Pilfer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilfer. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pilfer

verb

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Synonyms of pilfer

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