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Showing results for black market. Search instead for laufstarken.
Definitions

black market

NOUN
illegal commerce
Synonyms
WEAK
bootleg market gray market illegal sales illegitimate business illicit business run shady dealings underground underground market underworld market
ADJECTIVE
underground, contraband
Synonyms
STRONG
banned bootleg bootlegged contraband forbidden illegal illicit outlawed prohibited proscribed
VERB
sell illegally
Synonyms
STRONG
traffic
WEAK
bootleg pirate run contraband smuggle

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.

Last year, BBC Sport conducted an investigation exposing an enormous black market for tickets in the Premier League.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

To get a Starlink antenna on the black market, Iranians previously had to shell out around "$800 or $1,000" at the end of 2025, Ahmadian recalled, a prohibitive amount for many.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

He also fears a new black market for fuel may emerge over the coming months - adding to worries about the rising prices of commodities.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

South Africa is home to the world's largest population of rhinos, which are poached for their horns that fetch high prices on the black market.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Maybe Miep will be able to scrounge up something on the black market.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank