STEAL Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

Q: In what contexts can 'filch' take the place of 'steal'?

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

Q: When might 'pilfer' be a better fit than 'steal'?

While the synonyms pilfer and steal are close in meaning, pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts. // pilfered from his employer

Q: When could 'purloin' be used to replace 'steal'?

The synonyms purloin and steal are sometimes interchangeable, but purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes. // printed a purloined document

steal 1 of 2

verb

ˈstēl

Definition of steal

as in to swipe

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep the guy who tried to steal my car was sentenced to a year in jail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to sneak

to move about in a sly or secret manner the teenagers were able to steal past a security guard and enter the fairgrounds without paying admission

Synonyms & Similar Words

steal

2 of 2

noun

as in bargain

something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price at 50% off, that shirt is a real steal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb steal differ from other similar words?

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

In what contexts can filch take the place of steal?

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

filched an apple from the tray

When might pilfer be a better fit than steal?

While the synonyms pilfer and steal are close in meaning, pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts.

pilfered from his employer

When could purloin be used to replace steal?

The synonyms purloin and steal are sometimes interchangeable, but purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes.

printed a purloined document

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 steal

Verb

Stick to the honor system while Republicans looted and stole? — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 They are treated as some sort of mysterious, violent group who steal and smash things. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026

Noun

Flagg didn’t return after the injury, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals in 17 minutes. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 Murray had three of the Pelicans' eight steals in the third quarter that ended with a 90-86 Pelicans advantage. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for steal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal

Verb

The Kindle feels slower than the Paperwhite, occasionally hanging when quickly swiping through collections or loading graphics-heavy pages.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Thieves made off with nearly $1 million in sports, Pokémon and other trading cards swiped from a FedEx truck in Southern California last week, police said Monday.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of swipe

Verb

However, even in situations where YCSE might appear ineligible, there is wiggle room that could allow Seyfried to sneak in.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
For a solid thirty minutes, the candidates defended their honor as the race’s most pro-Israel candidate — at times sneaking in jabs about their opponent.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sneak

Noun

Wynn Resorts, which caters almost exclusively to high-end customers, has opted to maintain its high room rates in Las Vegas even as visitation has slowed over the past year, rather than filling every room with travelers looking for a bargain.

— Contessa Brewer,Ryan Ruggiero, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
This money would be overseen and partially managed by Kushner and MBZ, who, in their effort to strike a grand bargain to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, believed the region’s map needed to be redrawn.

— Matthew Cole, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of bargain

Verb

But DeFalco is drawn to the sidewalk dwellers, street preachers and parking-lot boozers who also lurk down there and help (or hinder) Ten, usually at a loud volume.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Directed by Grammy Award-winning filmmaker James Mackel, the visual is three-and-a-half minutes of spy stuff, our hero, dressed to impress, making short work of the many villains who lurk in her hotel.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of lurk

Verb

Finally, grab 32% off the Eufy E340 Security Video Doorbell with Chime, providing dual 2K cameras and color night vision.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
James scored 18 points, grabbed two rebounds and was a minus-22 going up against Paul Reed, and the 76ers were left to hope his presence at center was nothing more than a cameo.

— Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of grab

Browse Nearby Words

steak houses

steal

stealer

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of steal

verb

noun

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Synonyms of steal

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing steal

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