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.

“No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

He condemned the refinery blockade as "illegal activity" by people determined to "hold the country to ransom".

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

“The sponsor may be subject to criminal prosecution for aiding your illegal entry.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

The appeals court ruled that Keenan couldn’t use the gun as evidence because police had conducted an illegal search, forcing Keenan to dismiss the case.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Golly’s holding Rae up above his head with one arm, and she’s standing on one foot—this is technically illegal at the high school level in our state.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

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!