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Showing results for illegal. Search instead for illembeli.
Definitions

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.

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

Sanchez has always denied any illegal funding of his party and rebuffed calls for polls before the next scheduled general election, due in 2027.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour called the ruling a win, as various states have filed lawsuits against Kalshi, arguing its operations constitute illegal gambling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

The Parades Commission said no paramilitary-style clothing should be worn or illegal flags displayed this year.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Wrongful convictions and illegal trials involving young children are very common.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson