Synonyms of pilfer

pilfer

verb

ˈpil-fər 

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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steal
• swipe
• filch
• grab
• purloin
• rob
• snatch
• lift
• misappropriate
• thieve
• appropriate
• snitch
• pinch
• nip
• pocket
• hook
• nick
• rip off
• hijack
• run off with
• take
• boost
• plunder
• seize
• make off with
• make away with
• walk off with
• pick
• heist
• loot
• pillage
• sack
• burglarize
• knock over
• shoplift
• poach
• kidnap
• rifle
• highjack
• grasp
• abduct
• rustle
• spirit
• carjack
• sponge
• nail
• mooch
• collar
• shanghai

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• buy
• purchase
• give
• contribute
• present
• bestow
• donate
• hand over

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of pilfer

Just six days later, on Feb. 4, Caballero returned to Duane Reade and, according to the court complaint, pilfered about $270 worth of items –12 Nutella products and 11 other various grocery products. —Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025

Tensions also escalated between Drake and Thomas Doughty, one of his officers, over pilfering supplies. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

Some online questioned if Mr. Lamar had pilfered their mom’s jeans. —Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025

One club has poor results, a squad that doesn’t fit the new manager, that same squad is uber expensive, toxic stars out on loan, limited resources to buy players, a crumbling stadium, mountains of debt, pilfering owners, and are in the midst of an austerity crackdown. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025