The act of stealing, also known as theft, is a crime that is punishable by law. It involves taking someone's property without permission. Synonyms for the act of stealing include robbery, pilfering, looting, embezzlement, burglary, shoplifting, thievery, larceny, and taking. Each of these words has its own connotations and can be used in different contexts. For instance, robbery implies the use of force or violence, while shoplifting refers to stealing from a store. Regardless of the synonym used, stealing is a serious offense that can result in legal consequences and damage relationships. It is always better to ask for permission or purchase things legally rather than resorting to stealing.