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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Packed with clashing Nazi goons and ice-cold blaxploitation paragons of extralegal justice, this season went inexplicably Tarantino, opening up arteries but also opportunities for a great actor to shine. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 June 2026 These attacks often provided a larger cultural pretext for the campaigns of extralegal political violence that terrorized Black voters in the South, assassinated political leaders, and marred the integrity of several of the region’s major elections. Robert D. Bland, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026 Do these overlords have their own extralegal agendas to impose upon Josh? Judy Berman, Time, 16 Apr. 2026 Aggravators articulate a spectrum of circumstances, creating a framework for determining why some people might face the death penalty while others might not, and do so without considering extralegal factors. Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extralegal

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extralegal was in 1644

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extralegal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extralegal. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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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