purloiner
One who steals
A purloiner is someone who steals, particularly in a sneaky or underhanded way rather than through force.
The word carries a slightly literary or formal tone, often used for petty theft or pilfering: The purloiner of office supplies was never caught.
It implies cunning rather than violence.
One who steals trifles
- filcherOne who steals
- snatcherOne who seizes quickly
- pickpocketThief who steals carried items
- shoplifterOne who steals merchandise
burglar · robber · kleptomaniac · cat burglar · housebreaker · larcenist · bandit · brigand
Secretive and sly
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- covertIntentionally concealed
skulking · prowling · creeping · shadowy · undetected · slippery · elusive · cunning
Unlawful taking of property
- larcenyUnlawful taking of goods
- pilferageMinor theft of goods
- shopliftingStealing store merchandise
- pickpocketingTheft from pockets
burglary · robbery · embezzlement · misappropriation · stealing · swiping · filching · heist
pilferer
One who steals trifles
- filcherOne who steals
- snatcherOne who seizes quickly
- pickpocketThief who steals carried items
shoplifter · burglar · robber · kleptomaniac · cat burglar · housebreaker · larcenist · bandit · brigand · highwayman
furtive
Secretive and sly
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
covert · skulking · prowling · creeping · shadowy · undetected · slippery · elusive · cunning · crafty
theft
Unlawful taking of property
- larcenyUnlawful taking of goods
- pilferageMinor theft of goods
- shopliftingStealing store merchandise
pickpocketing · burglary · robbery · embezzlement · misappropriation · stealing · swiping · filching · heist · pilfering
- pickpocketspickpocket, cutpurse, dip, purse snatcher, bag snatcher
purloinerrightful owner
One with legitimate claim
owner · proprietor · legal owner · possessor · titleholder