What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prowler
Example
The neighbors reported seeing a prowler in the backyard last night. [prowler: noun]
Example
He was caught prowling around the office after hours. [prowling: present participle]
thief
Example
The thief stole my wallet while I was shopping at the mall. [thief: noun]
Example
She was arrested for theft after stealing jewelry from the store. [theft: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thief is more commonly used than prowler in everyday language. Thief is a more general term that covers a wide range of contexts, while prowler is less common and refers to a specific type of criminal activity.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between prowler and thief?
Both prowler and thief are typically associated with an informal tone. However, theft is considered a more serious crime and is therefore more formal in certain contexts, such as legal or official documents.
