stealer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stealer" is usable in written English and is well written.
It can be used to refer to someone who steals or takes something unlawfully. Example: "The police arrested the stealer after he was caught in the act of taking a bicycle." Alternatives include "thief" or "robber."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

These days, many Russian politicians are uneasy that their new president, Vladimir Putin, was previously head of the country's security service, albeit a less all-embracing one than the KGB.Mr Semichastny was insistent that the KGB was more than just a stealer of information about the West's nuclear bombs or a spotter of traitors.

The Economist

Although Rickman was a scene stealer in his cinematic debut as the urbane villain Hans Gruber in the action picture Die Hard (1988), he was perhaps best known for his bravura portrayal of the complex Severus Snape, who evolves over the eight Harry Potter movies (2001 11) from young Harry's sarcastic and bullying teacher into an unexpectedly heroic ally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In at least one case, a white Abolitionist who had attempted to help slaves escape was branded on the hand with the letters "SS" for "slave stealer".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The missing No 7 For a long time England haven't had a poacher, fetcher, stealer – that plays in a No 7 shirt who gives continuity in attack and is an absolute menace in defence, who's continually the first, second or third person there at the cost of everything else.

Independent

The moment he sprinkles some stardust around the Cadillac Championship, up pops the master scene stealer to bask in the associated glow.

Independent

The name oviraptor means "egg stealer," and it was given because remains of this carnivorous dinosaur were found along with fossil eggs presumed to belong to a small ceratopsian, Protoceratops, which lay nearby.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

On May 13th a prosecutor in Milan told a court that Mr Berlusconi paid a young Moroccan runaway, Karima el-Mahroug (known as "Ruby the heart-stealer"), €4.5m ($6m) in late 2010.

The Economist

The alleged prostitute is Karima el-Mahroug, known as "Ruby the heart-stealer", the runaway daughter of a Moroccan immigrant.

The Economist

BAN KI-MOON has hardly been a limelight-stealer during his 10 months as secretary-general of the United Nations.

The Economist

And as much as he'll hate to hear it, he's a natural-born scene-stealer too – none more so than in Sam Mendes Revolutionary Roadd, in which he played the sage-like neighbour to Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's warring couple.

Independent

As the weeks wore on, it became clearer that the defiant mind-set that had made him a great base-stealer had, in many ways, trapped him in the Golden Baseball League.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone who takes something of value, consider using more specific terms like "thief", "burglar", or "embezzler" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "stealer" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated and precise vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "stealer" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an individual who takes something without right or permission. As exemplified by Ludwig, it can describe someone who steals physical objects or, metaphorically, intangible things like attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stealer" is a noun used to describe someone who steals, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context. For formal writing, terms like "thief" or "embezzler" might be more appropriate. Ludwig's AI indicates that "stealer" is acceptable, but its frequency varies across different sources, being more common in news and media than in academic writing. When aiming for precision, it’s beneficial to choose synonyms that accurately reflect the specific type of theft committed. Using specific terminology increases clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thief

A more common and direct synonym for someone who steals.

pilferer

Implies petty theft or stealing small items.

embezzler

Refers specifically to someone who steals from a trust or organization.

burglar

Someone who breaks into a building to steal.

shoplifter

Someone who steals goods from a store.

scene-stealer

Someone who attracts attention and admiration, often diverting it from others.

poacher

Someone who illegally hunts or fishes on someone else's property.

plagiarist

Someone who steals another's writing or ideas and presents them as their own.

looter

Someone who steals during a riot or disaster.

rip-off artist

Someone who deceives others to steal money.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "stealer"?

You can use alternatives like "thief", "pilferer", or "embezzler" depending on the context.

How is a "stealer" different from a "robber"?

While both "stealer" and "robber" refer to someone who takes something illegally, "robber" often implies the use of force or threat, whereas "stealer" is a more general term.

What does it mean to be a "scene-stealer"?

A "scene-stealer" is someone who unexpectedly attracts a lot of attention and praise, often diverting it from the main focus or performer. It doesn't necessarily imply illegal activity, but rather a captivating presence.

Is "stealer" a formal or informal term?

"Stealer" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both informal and some formal contexts. However, more specific and formal alternatives like "thief" or "embezzler" may be preferred in professional or academic writing.