illicit

adjective

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-sət How to pronounce illicit (audio)
Definition of illicitnext
as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law had a long history of using illicit drugs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illicit With the traditional clinic system in place, illicit drug dealers could still capitalize on knowing precisely where their target clientele — the vulnerable, the wavering — would gather. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026 Will Hichem stay clean, on the right track when he’s surrounded by people involved in illicit deal-making? — Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 The regime does pose a direct threat to the United States because of its illicit nuclear program. — Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 Spooked investors have even sued Supermicro for securities fraud, fearing that the company’s sales may be dominated by such illicit sales. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for illicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illicit
  1. unlawful
  2. criminal
Adjective
  • Spires is also charged with felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a dangerous person and three misdemeanors, while Wilson is also charged with two misdemeanors, filings show.
    — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Put more bluntly, sports event contracts are protected by federal law in some parts of the country but remain vulnerable elsewhere to states deeming them unlawful.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • Jacobs was formally charged Thursday with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, stemming from the May 23 incident at his home near Green Bay.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The bill brings state fireworks licensing requirements in line with federal ones by expanding the list of criminal convictions that make applicants ineligible for fireworks licenses.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of criminal

Browse Nearby Words

illiberalness
illicit
illimitable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illicit. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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