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Definitions

steal

[steel] / stil /
VERB
take something without permission
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abduct divert embezzle keep kidnap loot pilfer plunder ransack remove strip swipe take
STRONG
appropriate blackmail burglarize cheat cozen defraud despoil heist housebreak lift misappropriate peculate pillage pinch pirate plagiarize poach purloin rifle sack shoplift snitch swindle thieve withdraw
WEAK
carry off hold for ransom hold up make off with rip off run off with spirit away stick up take possession of walk off with
Antonyms
STRONGEST
give give up let go maintain receive release stay
STRONG
protect
VERB
sneak around
Synonyms
STRONG
creep flit glide insinuate lurk skulk slide slink slip snake tiptoe
WEAK
go stealthily pass quietly
Antonyms
WEAK
give receive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The force said the group had been preparing to steal goods from major supermarkets and redistribute them elsewhere.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Would opponents be able to steal their signs?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Your $40 bid may be the market and you might effectively snap up the stock at a steal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

He was hardly through, playing another six seasons and even stealing 47 bases in 99 games in 1985 for the Chicago Cubs to become the first 40-year-old player to steal more bases than his age.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

I wondered if I could sneak away in all the hubbub and steal my freedom.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

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