thief

noun

ˈthēf How to pronounce thief (audio)
Definition of thiefnext
as in robber
one who steals a thief has been stealing wallets and valuables from the lockers at the gym

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example 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 thief In 2003, Benvenuto Cellini’s gold-and-enamel Saliera, then valued at roughly €50 million ($58 million), was stolen from Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum by a thief who climbed scaffolding and entered through a window. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The thieves wore no disguises or face coverings according to a report by Vienna’s police department. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Aug. 2026 However, the duo was successful in warding off the thieves, who fled on a moped — but not one belonging to the victims, police said. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 The footage showed two of the thieves working in tandem to push a cart loaded with mail to their SUV, where an accomplice driver helped load the tubs of letters and packages into their vehicle. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thief
  1. robber
  2. burglar
Noun
  • The robber has been described as standing between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 6 inches tall.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Four were carjackers and one was an armed robber who stole from a 72-year-old man.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of robber
Noun
  • Banging inside a Washington resident's home turned out not to be a burglar.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Last month, burglars stole millions of dollars worth of jewelry from the museum of French luxury glassmaker Lalique in a daring early morning raid.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of burglar

Browse Nearby Words

thick-witted
thief
thieve
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thief. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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