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Synonyms

embezzlement

Cultural  
  1. The stealing of money entrusted to one's care: “The treasurer of the company embezzled a million dollars.”


Explanation

If you are glee club treasurer, and you pocket twenty glee dollars saying you used it to buy lozenges, you are committing embezzlement, the theft of money or property that you officially manage. In order for stealing to be embezzlement, you need to both be in charge of the funds or property you are stealing, and you need to conceal your theft. Because of this, it is classified as a type of fraud. People who commit embezzlement often create fake paper trails — receipts, canceled checks, false signatures — to hide their crime.

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Vocabulary lists containing embezzlement

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hui Ka Yan, the founder of embattled Chinese property developer Evergrande, has pleaded guilty to a number of charges including embezzlement of corporate assets and corporate bribery, according to a statement issued by the court.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

He formally charged Gomez with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds, the ruling added.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Murrell is yet to make a plea on the embezzlement charge.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

Stephan said she was alarmed by some of the discoveries the district attorney’s office made when speaking to county staff as part of its investigation into Knox’s alleged embezzlement.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

The word testifying is almost as scary as embezzlement.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

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