crossword clue steal – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and the clue is "steal", you've landed on the perfect page. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer. Let's find that missing word!
Solutions for "crossword clue steal" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ROB: To take property unlawfully from a person or place.
4 Letters
TAKE: To acquire possession of something, often without permission.
LOOT: To steal goods, typically during a riot or war.
NICK: An informal term meaning to steal, especially something small.
5 Letters
FILCH: To pilfer or steal, especially something of small value in a casual way.
SWIPE: To steal or take, especially quickly or stealthily.
HEIST: An act of stealing, especially a robbery.
6 Letters
PILFER: To steal (typically things of relatively little value).
PIRATE: To illegally copy or use someone's work or ideas, often without permission.
7 Letters
PLUNDER: To steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder.
PURLOIN: To steal something, often in a way that is considered sneaky or underhanded.
8 Letters
EMBEZZLE: To steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer).
More About "crossword clue steal"
The clue "steal" is a versatile one in crosswords, often appearing in various forms and contexts. While its primary meaning relates to taking something without permission, its synonyms can range from common actions like 'rob' or 'take' to more specific or nuanced terms like 'pilfer' (for small items) or 'embezzle' (for money held in trust). Crossword setters love to play on these different shades of meaning, so understanding the subtle distinctions can be key to solving the puzzle.
Beyond the literal act of theft, "steal" can also appear in idiomatic expressions or specific fields, such as in sports (e.g., "steal a base" in baseball) or even metaphorically (e.g., "steal a glance" or "steal the show"). When faced with this clue, consider the surrounding letters, the puzzle's theme, and whether a more formal, informal, or even technical synonym is required. This page aims to cover the most common interpretations you'll encounter.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by matching the number of available letters in the grid with the potential answers provided. This quickly narrows down possibilities.
- Consider Nuance: "Steal" has many synonyms. Think about whether the clue implies a petty theft, a grand larceny, an act of pilfering, or even a non-criminal appropriation.
- Look for Context: If other clues in the puzzle relate to sports, crime, or specific historical periods, the answer for "steal" might lean towards a term relevant to that context (e.g., 'loot' for wartime, 'heist' for a bank robbery).
- Trial and Error with Neighbors: If unsure, try fitting in a common answer. Even if it's wrong, seeing how it interacts with neighboring words can often reveal the correct path.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common short answers for 'steal' in crosswords?
Common short answers for 'steal' often include words like ROB, TAKE, LOOT, and NICK, which are frequently used due to their concise letter counts.
How does the clue 'steal' change meaning in different crossword contexts?
The clue 'steal' can have various meanings. It might refer to pilfering (FILCH, SWIPE), a larger act of theft (ROB, HEIST), or even a sports context like 'steal a base' (TAKE, BAG).
Are there any informal synonyms for 'steal' often found in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords often use informal or colloquial terms for 'steal' such as SWIPE, LIFT, or NICK. These add variety to the puzzle and test your vocabulary beyond formal synonyms.