Differences between sneak out and steal out

Sneak out means to leave a place quietly and secretly, often without others noticing. Steal out means to leave a place quietly and secretly, but with the intention of taking something with you.

Meanings and Definitions: sneak out vs steal out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Sneak out

1Depart furtively.
Although the thieves tried to SNEAK OUT after dark, we were ready for them.

Steal out

1Leave in a stealthy or quiet manner.
Not wanting to attract attention, she STOLE OUT early.

Usage Examples: sneak out, steal out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

sneak out

Example

She always sneaks out of the office early on Fridays.

Example

He sneaks out of the house when his parents are asleep.

steal out

Example

He stole out of the room while everyone was asleep.

Example

She steals out of the house every night to meet her friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sneak out

slip away

To leave a place quietly and unnoticed.

Example

She decided to slip away from the party early to avoid the crowd.

make a run for it

To leave a place quickly and suddenly, often to avoid getting caught or to escape danger.

Example

When the fire alarm went off, everyone started to make a run for it and evacuate the building.

duck out

To leave a place quickly and secretly, often to avoid being seen or noticed.

Example

He had to duck out of the meeting early to catch his flight.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Steal out

slip out

To leave a place quietly and unnoticed, often with the intention of taking something with you.

Example

He decided to slip out of the office with some confidential documents.

make off with

To steal or take something with you without permission or detection.

Example

The thief managed to make off with the jewelry before anyone noticed.

sneak away with

To secretly and quietly take something without permission or detection.

Example

She tried to sneak away with some snacks from the kitchen without her parents noticing.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “sneak”

sneak up on

Phrasal Verbs with “steal”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in sneak out vs steal out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: sneak out or steal out?

In daily conversation, people use sneak out more often than steal out. This is because sneak out is used for more common situations like leaving a party or sneaking out of work early. Steal out is not used as much since it implies stealing something, which is not a common occurrence in everyday life.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of sneak out and steal out

Sneak out and steal out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of sneak out and steal out

The tone of sneak out and steal out can differ based on context. Sneak out often carries a mischievous or playful tone when related to leaving a social event or avoiding responsibilities, while steal out typically has a secretive or suspicious tone, especially when referring to taking something without permission.

sneak out & steal out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Sneak out

Synonyms

slip out
creep out
steal away
slink out
sneak away
depart secretly

Antonyms

arrive
enter
appear
show up
come in
sneak in

Steal out

Synonyms

sneak out
slip out
creep out
slink out
skulk out
depart quietly
leave stealthily

Antonyms

enter
arrive
appear
come in
show up
make an entrance