pilfered

past tense of pilfer

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 pilfered Most pilfered of anyone in recent seasons are Brighton & Hove Albion, where, since the summer of 2021, 10 players have departed for a ‘Big Six’ club. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026 In the 10th minute, Neil El Aynaoui pilfered the ball from Ryan Christie, then nearly capitalized on the ensuing counterattack, finding free space in front of an open net but overrunning Azzedine Ounahi’s cross. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026 What is that if not a direct license to keep even more public money pilfered via nonpayment, and a marker that the president and his inner circle are above the law? New York Daily News, Twin Cities, 28 May 2026 The music joins the casting and a too-scary third act as the only elements of this movie that don’t fully embrace its bar-lowering lack of ambition — the only elements that don’t feel pilfered from pre-existing classics. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 1 May 2026 Tyler Cordeiro first pilfered Jannotta’s prescription pills as a teenager. Craig R. McCoy, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 Many of the things that happen in this film have happened for real, and they’re pilfered from actual F1 events. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 Mar. 2026 As when just standing in the Mingus Quick Stop parking lot and squinting down the street at lifting dust while overhearing from within the most mysterious conversation about missing Little Debbie Honey Buns—not stolen, gradually pilfered, but just missing. David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Wednesday brings the Rule 5 Draft, when eligible prospects can be selected by any of the 30 teams and effectively pilfered from rival organizations. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilfered
Verb
  • 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
  • Smith allegedly stole the mother’s vehicle and left the home with the child.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ewing swiped two bases to give him 21 steals, tied with Gregg Jefferies (1989) for third-most in team history by a rookie.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Irving swiped through the flirtations without a second glance.
    Eric Lach, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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