as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
the studio stepped up security, fearing that someone might attempt to purloin a copy of the script for the show's season finale
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Recent Examples of purloin
Lou Schachter, who became a historical crime researcher after retiring from his corporate job, wondered if other works in the Alters’ estate might have also been purloined.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2025
And when purloined Democratic National Committee emails were leaked just ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Putin did not hide his glee.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024
For years, Huawei had been building up its research capacity, trying to shed its reputation as a low-cost provider whose tech came from purloining the discoveries of others.
—Steven Levy, WIRED, 16 Nov. 2020
In 2022-23, before its richest teams were purloined by other power conferences, the average public Pac-12 athletic department spent $130.8 million and earned $121.5 million in revenue.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for purloin
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2025
And when purloined Democratic National Committee emails were leaked just ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Putin did not hide his glee.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024
For years, Huawei had been building up its research capacity, trying to shed its reputation as a low-cost provider whose tech came from purloining the discoveries of others.
—Steven Levy, WIRED, 16 Nov. 2020
In 2022-23, before its richest teams were purloined by other power conferences, the average public Pac-12 athletic department spent $130.8 million and earned $121.5 million in revenue.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for purloin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purloin
steal
Verb
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Bahia is also where breakfast is served each morning—watch out for the cheeky birds who will steal any of your unattended banana pancakes or breakfast burritos.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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The animatronic creation adorably stole the spotlight from the Mandalorian himself, Pedro Pascal, as well as other human collaborators like Sigourney Weaver (Colonel Ward) and director Jon Favreau (who managed to score a red carpet photo opportunity with the rising lime-green superstar).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purloin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purloin. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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