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Synonyms for

Thief

Noun / θi:f / Another word for thief — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person who steals something.

Synonyms & similar words

stealer burglar robber criminal thug crook bandit pickpocket shoplifter swindler pirate raider looter rustler embezzler mugger hijacker bootlegger outlaw poacher

Synonyms by register

Formal

perpetrator offender felon

Informal

crook mugger shoplifter pickpocket

Literary

pilferer marauder plunderer

Antonyms

owner victim lawful possessor honest person law-abiding citizen protector

Common collocations

  • caught a thief
  • arrested a thief
  • professional thief
  • master thief
  • common thief
  • armed thief
  • thief in the night

Word family

noun thief
verb thieve
adjective thieving

Usage note

While 'thief' is a general term, specific types of thieves can be described with more precise terms like 'burglar' or 'robber'.

Compare "thief" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The thief stole my toy.
  2. The thief was caught by the police.
  3. The thief snuck into the house and stole the jewelry.
  4. The thief left his fingerprints at the crime scene.
  5. I saw the thief run away with the purse.

Quotes

  • A thief thinks everybody steals. - E.W. Howe
  • A thief believes everybody steals. - Proverb
  • A thief passes for a gentleman when stealing has made him rich. - Euripides

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