UNLICENSED Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

unlicensed

adjective

Definition of unlicensed

as in unauthorized

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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 unlicensed States have pushed back, saying that contracts tied to sports amount to unlicensed wagering. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Subsequent investigation concluded the club was unlicensed and operated against several safety standards, including insufficient emergency exits and only one available fire extinguisher. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 Gutierrez on Monday in Palm Beach County court pleaded not guilty to charges of operating as an unlicensed money service business, organized scheme to defraud and workman’s compensation fraud, court records show. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 The mass shooting has shone a new spotlight on Thailand’s high levels of gun ownership, both licensed and unlicensed. — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlicensed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlicensed

Adjective

Lancaster and Palmdale, the two incorporated cities of Antelope Valley about 15 miles west of Pearblossom, also attract unauthorized RVs.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Around 1,200 agents overall exchanged more than 70,000 messages and files through an unauthorized message board, coordinating ways to game a hacking evaluation.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

In all, 1,200 agents sent more than 70,000 messages and files through the unsanctioned message board, according to an independent investigation from the AI research nonprofit METR.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
Meta and Anthropic also disclosed their own systems took unsanctioned actions during cybersecurity tests, a wake-up call for the AI and cybersecurity industry.

— Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsanctioned

Adjective

Prior contraband attempts involved the launch of a drone from the dead end of Noe Street, just east of the facility, deputies said.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Faced with this churn – as well as staffing, security and contraband-control concerns – many jails invest little in family visitation.

— Jillian Turanovic, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of contraband

Adjective

The smuggled animals, which were imported from both Hong Kong and Mexico without permits, included Mexican beaded lizards, Mexican box turtles and Yucatan box turtles and baby crocodiles, prosecutors said.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Lang calls Atterton, who’s in his prison cell with a smuggled phone, to tell him the job is done and that both Bailey-Brown and Sam have been terminated.

— Barry Levitt, Time, 4 Mar. 2026

Definition of smuggled

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unlettered

unlicensed

unlikable

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“Unlicensed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlicensed. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlicensed

adjective

Example Sentences

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