theft

noun

ˈtheft How to pronounce theft (audio)
Synonyms of theft
1
a
: the act of stealing
specifically : the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it
b
: an unlawful taking (as by embezzlement or burglary) of property
2
: a stolen base in baseball
3
obsolete : something stolen

Synonyms of theft

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Examples of theft in a Sentence

The theft of the jewelry and other valuables was immediately reported to the police. He was found guilty of theft.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The letter, which was written on behalf of workers, details seven allegations of wage theft. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Because insurers factor theft risk into their pricing, areas with higher theft rates may see higher premiums. — Mckynzie Steward, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Police said the two thefts share similarities and are investigating whether they were carried out as part of the same fraudulent cargo theft operation. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Public works crews removed the town’s remaining cameras for safekeeping after the theft. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theft

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thiefthe, from Old English thīefth; akin to Old English thēof thief

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of theft was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing theft

Rhymes for theft

See All Rhymes for theft

Browse Nearby Words

the French
theft
theftbote
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theft. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

theft

noun
ˈtheft How to pronounce theft (audio)
: the act of stealing

Legal Definition

theft

noun
: larceny
broadly : a criminal taking of the property or services of another without consent

Note: Theft commonly encompasses by statute a variety of forms of stealing formerly treated as distinct crimes.

— grand theft
: theft of property or services whose value exceeds a specified amount or of a specified kind of property (as an automobile)

Note: Grand theft is a felony.

— identity theft
: the unauthorized use of another's means of identification (as name or social security number) for the purpose of committing theft or another crime
— petty theft
: theft of property or services whose value is below a specified amount

called also petit theft

Note: Petty theft is a misdemeanor but may be aggravated by prior convictions.

Etymology

Old English thiefth

More from Merriam-Webster on theft

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about theft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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