Entry Word: illegal

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 contrary to or forbidden by law <it is illegal to steal>

Synonyms criminal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful

Related Words bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible; banned, barred, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned; corrupt, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous

Near Antonyms ethical, good, just, principled, right, righteous, virtuous; allowed, permitted; authorized, licensed (also licenced); approved, endorsed, sanctioned; abetted, encouraged, promoted, suggested, supported; correct, decent, decorous, proper, seemly

Antonyms lawful, legal, legitimate

2 not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport <an illegal pass> — see foul 2