pilfers
Takes without permission
Pilfers is the third-person singular of pilfer, meaning to steal small amounts or items of little value.
The word suggests petty, often repeated theft rather than grand larceny: She pilfers office supplies, He pilfers change from the tip jar.
Pilfering implies sneakiness and opportunism—taking what won't be missed.
Petty theft
- swipeQuick sliding motion
- snatchRapid forceful taking
- pocketFabric compartment in clothing
- pinchSqueeze with fingertips
nick · lift · nab · boost · shoplift · pickpocket · sneak · palm
Take dishonestly
- misappropriateWrongly take another's assets
- embezzleSteal funds in custody
- peculateSteal entrusted funds
- abstractCondensed version of text
appropriate · steal · thieve · larceny · misdemeanor · shrinkage · theft
Cleverly deceptive
- cunningSly, scheming cleverness
- craftyCleverly deceptive
- deviousUnderhanded and calculating
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
shifty · guileful · artful · wily · slippery · sneaky · conniving · light-fingered
Secretive and sly
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- sneakingMoving to avoid detection
- covertIntentionally concealed
undetected · unseen · discreet · unobtrusive · secretive · slinking · shadowy · quiet
Materials for desk work
- petty cashFund for incidentals
- merchandiseCommercial products offered
- inventoryCatalog of held assets
- tip jarContainer for gratuities
loose change · snacks · stationery · toiletries · samples · stock · provisions · goods
filch
Petty theft
pinch · nick · lift · nab · boost · shoplift · pickpocket · sneak · palm · help oneself
purloin
Take dishonestly
- misappropriateWrongly take another's assets
- embezzleSteal funds in custody
- peculateSteal entrusted funds
abstract · appropriate · steal · thieve · larceny · misdemeanor · shrinkage · theft
sly
Cleverly deceptive
underhanded · shifty · guileful · artful · wily · slippery · sneaky · conniving · light-fingered · deft
furtive
Secretive and sly
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- sneakingMoving to avoid detection
covert · undetected · unseen · discreet · unobtrusive · secretive · slinking · shadowy · quiet · silent
office supplies
Materials for desk work
- petty cashFund for incidentals
- merchandiseCommercial products offered
- inventoryCatalog of held assets
tip jar · loose change · snacks · stationery · toiletries · samples · stock · provisions · goods · wares