Robber, thief and bandit?

[Emma Closer]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #73 "Synonyms for robber and thief", question 1

The ......... attacked the owner of the house and disappeared with the expensive painting.

(a) robbers
(b) thieves
(c) stealers
(d) criminals

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #73 "Synonyms for robber and thief", answer 1

The robbers attacked the owner of the house and disappeared with the expensive painting.

Correct answer: (a) robbers
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what is the difference between these synonyms?

[Daniela]

Hi,
Robber is a person who steals; anyone who unlawfully takes somebody else’s property in his presence, usually by using force.
Thief is a person who takes property belonging to someone else, without the knowledge of the owner, with the intention of keeping it or selling it; usually without violence.
Stealer is the same as thief.
Criminal is the general word for a person who breaks the law and commits any crime – stealing, killing, etc.
Daniela
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[Guest]

[Daniela]

Dear Emma Closer,
A bandit is usually a member of a gang who robs by violence; an armed thief who is (usually) a member of a band.
A burglar is a person who breaks into a house (breaks a door or a window in order to enter), or shop, or other building, with the aim of stealing something.
Daniela
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