extralegal

adjective

ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally adverb

Examples of extralegal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The conspiracy-minded held forth in law enforcement in Arizona and in extralegal groups distrustful of government. Amanda Luberto, The Arizona Republic, 24 July 2024 Between 1946 and 1970, the country experienced 21 changes of government, almost all of them extralegal, including ten military coups. Robert D. Kaplan, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2023 That, too, reduces the likelihood of extralegal mischief and street violence. The Editors, National Review, 5 Mar. 2024 Opponents of the Kremlin often meet terrible extralegal ends that go far beyond the limits of mere repression. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extralegal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extralegal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extralegal was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near extralegal

Cite this Entry

“Extralegal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extralegal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

extralegal

adjective
ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally adverb

Legal Definition

extralegal

adjective
ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally adverb
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