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steal

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noun

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
Per officers, a pair of Air pod Max pros stolen from the vehicle were traced to a location redacted in the report. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025 The chase involved a 16-year-old accused of stealing a vehicle before fleeing from police, according to WJBK. Mike Stunson july 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Noun
Getting back a similar player in Johnson was a steal. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 2 July 2025 The authentic ambiance of the converted house adds to the charm, and their regular, skinny, or spicy margaritas with Campo Bravo reposado are a steal. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for steal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steal
Verb
  • Now, though, Tinder cofounder Justin Mateen swiped right on the property, purchasing it alongside his brother Tyler and Culver Capital for $82.2 million.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
  • These tiny Android-style slabs can be swiped up for battery info and swiped left or right to navigate the screens.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • This snack is a great way to sneak even more protein into your kid’s diet.
    Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Dianne witnessed Tiffany sneaking the card into her back pocket and confronted her.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Mitchell proved to be a revelation, as well as somewhat of a rotation bargain with his return on the two-year, $24 million free-agency agreement reached a week ago.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • Landau, reports Crain’s, got 57,000 square feet across five floors at what seems like a superb bargain, paying $11 million.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Menzies was convicted of the 1986 murder of 26-year-old Maurine Hunsaker, a married mother of three who was kidnapped, robbed, strangled, and found tied to a tree with her throat slit.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • Three years later, Armando Galarraga didn’t, robbed by a wrong call by first-base umpire Jim Joyce — who owned up to it almost immediately — in the days before instant replay.
    Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • These brief Charley moments are frankly much more dynamic than any repetitive scene of Dexter lurking around his son.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 July 2025
  • The incident comes as paranoia surrounding the possibility of a serial killer lurking within the New England region grips the area following a series of unexplained deaths in recent months.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Add a pop of color to outdoor spaces or warm up your living room with our 10 favorite rug deals at Wayfair’s sale, starting at just $18.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
  • Boston could try to land a star prospect or two from a contending team in a deal for Chapman.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Without nuclear energy to provide the stable, always-on foundation for clean energy, those goals are slipping further from reach.
    Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • Then, Piastri accelerated away and Verstappen spun out trying to match the Australian, slipping from second to 10th place.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Steal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steal. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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