thievery

noun

thiev·​ery ˈthē-və-rē How to pronounce thievery (audio)
ˈthēv-
plural thieveries
Synonyms of thieverynext
: the act or practice or an instance of stealing : theft

Examples of thievery in a Sentence

a case of suspected thievery a man who has a history of petty thievery and narcotics peddling
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The ball pressure and thievery of Tomczak was crucial in Sandburg’s half-court pressure that generated more turnovers for Andrew with 16 than made baskets with 12. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026 But Sweeney’s raid of the Toronto Maple Leafs of Minten and a 2026 first-rounder for Brandon Carlo may become his highest act of thievery. Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026 The new mayor is best served by a fearless watchdog making sure that the public’s interests are protected from thievery and graft, which is sure to happen. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026 Then, Steven Ramm won an advantage during a Journey that become common public knowledge — setting him up as the obvious victim for Sophi’s thievery. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thievery

Word History

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thievery was in 1568

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thievery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thievery. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

thievery

noun
thiev·​ery ˈthēv-(ə-)rē How to pronounce thievery (audio)
plural thieveries
: the action of stealing : theft

More from Merriam-Webster on thievery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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