What is the Opposite(Antonym) of “steal”?

The Opposite(Antonym) of “steal”

The antonyms of steal are return, give back, and compensate. These words convey the opposite meaning of taking something without permission or unlawfully.

Explore all Antonyms of “steal”

• return
• compensate
• give back

Definitions and Examples of return, give back, compensate

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

return

To bring or send something back to its original place or owner.

Example

Please return the library books by the due date.

give back

To return something that belongs to someone else.

Example

He promised to give back the money he borrowed from his friend.

compensate

To make up for a loss, damage, or injury; to provide an equivalent or substitute.

Example

The company agreed to compensate the customers for the defective products.

Key Differences: return vs give back vs compensate

• 1. Return implies bringing something back to its original place or owner.
• 2. Give back is a phrasal verb that specifically means returning something that belongs to someone else.
• 3. Compensate means making up for a loss or providing an equivalent or substitute.

Effective Usage of return, give back, compensate

• 1. Clarify Intentions: Use these antonyms to clarify your intentions when you want to return something you borrowed.
• 2. Resolve Conflicts: Use these words to resolve conflicts related to property or belongings.
• 3. Express Regret: Use these antonyms to express regret for taking something without permission and to make amends.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of steal are return, give back, and compensate. Use these words to clarify intentions, resolve conflicts, and express regret for taking something without permission.