PURLOIN Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of purloin are filch , pilfer , and steal . While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes. // printed a purloined document

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

The synonyms filch and purloin are sometimes interchangeable, but filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously. // filched an apple from the tray

Q: When would 'pilfer' be a good substitute for 'purloin'?

The meanings of pilfer and purloin largely overlap; however, pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts. // pilfered from his employer

Q: When can 'steal' be used instead of 'purloin'?

The words steal and purloin can be used in similar contexts, but 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

purloin

verb

(ˌ)pər-ˈlȯin

Definition of purloin next

as in to steal

to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep the studio stepped up security, fearing that someone might attempt to purloin a copy of the script for the show's season finale

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How does the verb purloin differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of purloin are filch, pilfer, and steal. While all these words mean "to take from another without right or without detection," purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes.

printed a purloined document

When could filch be used to replace purloin?

The synonyms filch and purloin are sometimes interchangeable, but filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously.

filched an apple from the tray

When would pilfer be a good substitute for purloin?

The meanings of pilfer and purloin largely overlap; however, pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts.

pilfered from his employer

When can steal be used instead of purloin?

The words steal and purloin can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Examples 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 purloin Thanks to the record-high energy prices that accompanied his assumption of power in 1999, Putin was able to personally purloin some $45 billion and still have enough money to raise the country’s standard of living, strengthen the Russian military, and keep his cronies happy. —

Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 5 Feb. 2015 At that time, 38,000 feet — roughly seven miles — of copper wire had been purloined from the 6th Street Bridge, probably fetching about $11,000, De León said. —

Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024 As Bloomberg reports, Christie’s admits that some client information was taken in an attack earlier this month—which took the art-world titan’s website offline for 10 days—but says there’s no evidence of financial or transactional records having been purloined. —

David Meyer, Fortune, 28 May 2024 With its median value pitched at $50, that implies some 160 million packages purloined every year (other estimates are two or three times as high). —

Simon Seeger, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for purloin