illegal

[ih-lee-guhl] / ɪˈli gəl /

ADJECTIVE

against the law

Synonyms

STRONGEST

banned criminal illegitimate illicit irregular outlawed prohibited smuggled unauthorized unconstitutional unlawful unlicensed unwarranted wrongful

WEAK

actionable black-market bootleg contraband crooked extralegal felonious forbidden heavy hot interdicted lawless not approved not legal outside the law proscribed prosecutable racket shady sub-rosa taboo under-the-table unofficial unwarrantable verboten violating wildcat

Antonyms

STRONGEST

authorized blessed ethical good justifiable lawful legal legitimate moral permitted right warranted

WEAK

allowed permissible

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.

Police departments are also trying to educate the public before issuing citations or towing an illegal bike, but officials said it’s a challenge.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Newman said it was likely left there by an "irresponsible owner", stressing it is illegal to release non-native species into the wild because of the biodiversity impact.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

What’s Next: Kalshi and Polymarket are thriving in states like Texas and California, where traditional sports betting remains illegal, and prediction markets will be the only legal game in town for local bettors.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

In written testimony, Glynn shared his experience hearing about young women performing illegal abortions when he was a freshman at the University of South Dakota in 1966.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

It relied upon an illegal mathematical operation, but it had one huge advantage.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Vocabulary lists containing illegal

List 3

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"A Natural Balance" and "In My Dreams"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Fear and Loathing in Cleveland: Trump's RNC Acceptance Speech

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!