embezzle

verb

Definition of embezzlenext
as in to steal
to steal money that you have been trusted with He was caught embezzling money from his clients.

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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 embezzle While an investigation determined that McCauley had embezzled at least $12 million, Cook believes the amount could be even higher. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 Before the jazz debacle, Ludlow was best known as a former City Council member who pleaded guilty in 2006 to federal charges of conspiring to embezzle union funds for campaign costs. — David K. Li, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 Matthew Robinson was sued by his brother and a co-founder of the company, claiming $100,000 was embezzled over two years, according to a 2014 lawsuit. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 But in the end, he was convicted of embezzling around $12 million and executed in 2009. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for embezzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for embezzle
  1. steal
  2. usurp
  3. misappropriate
Verb
  • In 1950, just before the LSU-Tulane game, Brown said a Tulane student, Norbert James, and his buddy stole LSU’s Mike the Tiger the night before their football game.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The nectar contains grayanotoxin, a chemical the plant likely evolved to deter insects that steal nectar without pollinating the flower.
    — Prayan Pokharel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Howie Roseman acquired Bigsby after Week 1, and Bigsby eventually usurped Shipley as Barkley’s top backup.
    — Zach Berman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In this way, the tech is being used to elevate human intelligence, rather than usurping it.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of usurp
Verb
  • In a statement, the court also said Hui also abused his position in orchestrating financial fraud and misappropriating company assets.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In 1986, Bycel took on the role of dean for the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law, helping steer the ship after the former dean was accused of misappropriating funds.
    — Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of misappropriate

Browse Nearby Words

embellishments
embezzle
embezzled
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Cite this Entry

“Embezzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/embezzle. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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