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.

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

From Barron's • May 29, 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

One option would be to impose sanctions on corporate service providers and logistics firms that enable shell companies behind illicit activities.

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

It ought to have felt exhilarating, but the girl’s eyes had teared up and her face was drooping, and what satisfaction Mariam found from this outburst felt meager, somehow illicit.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

Vocabulary lists containing illicit

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This Week in Words: September 1 - 7, 2018

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Brave New World

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