steal
73 synonyms and 8 antonyms for steal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To take something that belongs to someone else without permission or intention of returning it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use steal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English stelan, going back to a Germanic root shared with German stehlen and Dutch stelen.
Full origin of steal →Frequently asked questions
What does “steal” mean?
The word “steal” means to take something that belongs to someone else without permission or intention of returning it. In plain terms, taking something without permission — literally, or figuratively as in "steal the show" or "steal a glance.".
How do you pronounce “steal”?
“Steal” is pronounced steel (/stiːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “steal” in a sentence?
Here is “steal” used in a sentence: “He was caught trying to steal cash from the register.”
What is another word for “steal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “steal” include abduct, abstract, appropriate, bag, bandit and bash and grab.
What is the opposite of “steal”?
The opposite of “steal” — its antonyms — are receive, purchase, buy, donate and earn.
What part of speech is “steal”?
Depending on how it is used, “steal” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “steal” come from?
The word “steal” comes from Old English. From Old English stelan, going back to a Germanic root shared with German stehlen and Dutch stelen.
Is “steal” a common word?
“Steal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between steal and rob?
You steal a thing but rob a person or place. Steal focuses on the object taken, as in 'they stole my bike.' Rob focuses on the victim, as in 'they robbed the bank' or 'robbed me.' So a thief steals money and robs the shop it came from. Mixing them up, as in 'stole the bank,' sounds wrong.
What is the difference between steal and borrow?
The key difference is permission and return. To borrow is to take something with permission, intending to give it back. To steal is to take it without permission and without meaning to return it. Borrowing is honest and temporary; stealing is dishonest and treats another person's property as your own to keep.
What does steal mean beyond taking property?
Steal has figurative senses too. To 'steal the show' is to attract all the attention. To 'steal a glance' is to look quickly and secretly. To 'steal away' is to leave quietly and unnoticed. In sport, a player can steal the ball. These uses share the idea of doing something swiftly, quietly, or without permission.