What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
safecracker
Example
The safecracker used a stethoscope to listen to the tumblers inside the safe. [safecracker: noun]
Example
The police hired a safecracker to help them open a safe that was seized during a drug bust. [safecracker: noun]
thief
Example
The thief stole a purse from the woman's shopping cart while she was distracted. [thief: noun]
Example
He was caught stealing from the store and was charged with theft. [theft: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thief is a more commonly used term than safecracker in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts related to stealing. Safecracker is a more specialized term that is typically used in specific contexts related to opening safes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between safecracker and thief?
Both safecracker and thief are informal terms that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, safecracker may be used in more technical or specialized settings, such as law enforcement or locksmithing.
