Synonyms of thief

thief

noun

ˈthēf 

as in robber

one who steals

a thief has been stealing wallets and valuables from the lockers at the gym

Synonyms & Similar Words

• robber
• burglar
• kidnapper
• stealer
• pirate
• smuggler
• pincher
• bandit
• hijacker
• kidnaper
• housebreaker
• embezzler
• pickpocket
• pilferer
• kleptomaniac
• larcenist
• safecracker
• purloiner
• shoplifter
• grafter
• picklock
• cat burglar
• plunderer
• looter
• cracksman
• highwayman
• cutpurse
• klepto
• abductor
• sneak thief
• carjacker
• ravisher
• pillager
• rustler
• footpad
• skyjacker
• poacher
• mugger
• despoiler
• dip
• ransacker

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of thief

Autolycus [played by Bruce Campbell] was the thief. —Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025

In this British-American heist comedy, a group of jewel thieves—including con artist Wanda Gershwitz (Jamie Lee Curtis), her lover Otto West (Kevin Kline), stuttering animal lover Ken Pile (Michael Palin) and gang leader George Thomason (Tom Georgeson)—pull off a major diamond robbery in London. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

Laundry detergent is a top target for thieves, according to the National Retail Federation's 2024 National Retail Security Survey. —Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025

Cop said that, when confronted by a 48-year-old employee, the thief raised an arm at her in a menacing manner before running out the door. —Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025