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 In response to pressure from trade associations, law enforcement and major retail chains, regulatory authorities and e-commerce platforms, verification mechanisms have been tightened to dismantle illicit pipelines. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 From December 2024 to May 2025, the international law enforcement body Interpol conducted Operation Pangea XVII, in which authorities in 90 countries seized more than 50 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals. — Andrew Yockey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026 Participants were also asked about their alcohol consumption, smoking and illicit drug use. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026 Wildlife is believed to travel through a series of border crossings linking Thailand and Myanmar, including the Mae Sot-Myawaddy and Tachileik-Mae Sai corridors, both of which have long been associated with all manner of illicit trafficking. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for illicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illicit
  1. unlawful
  2. criminal
Adjective
  • Runa’s incarceration – and death months after her release – is now the subject of a lawsuit brought by her mother against Hyogo Prefectural Police alleging unlawful arrest and detention.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Last month, the seizure was ruled unlawful by the California Supreme Court.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • The police spokesperson said Perez was taken into custody without incident and charged with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The leader of one of Haiti’s most powerful criminal organizations said the Salvadorans were killed in territory controlled by Chen Mechan, an allied gang.
    — Widlore Mérancourt, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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