Definitions

illicit

[ih-lis-it] / ɪˈlɪs ɪt /

ADJECTIVE

not legal; forbidden

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adulterous bootleg clandestine contraband furtive illegal illegitimate immoral improper prohibited unauthorized unlawful unlicensed wrongful

WEAK

black-market contrary to law criminal crooked dirty felonious guilty heavy in violation of law lawless out of line racket wrong

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard allowed authorized chaste ethical forthright good lawful legal legitimate moral open permitted pure right truthful uncorrupt

WEAK

blessed licit noble proper

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.

In a February town hall with Gates Foundation employees, Gates acknowledged it was a mistake to meet with Epstein and said he had not engaged in any illicit conduct.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

"Their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil’s borders, across our region and into our country."

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

As Hong Kong has become more like China, it’s no surprise adversaries see it as a hub for illicit business.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The 61-year-old used party funds to make hundreds of illicit purchases, ranging from handcream and towels to a luxury motorhome and two cars.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

She slid the phone back into her pocket and took a deep breath, trying to rearrange her facial features into a not guilty of snooping or any other illicit activity expression.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Vocabulary lists containing illicit

Some Tricky Homonyms

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This Week in Words: September 1 - 7, 2018

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Brave New World

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