Synonyms of bootlegger

bootlegger

noun

ˈbüt-ˌle-gər 

as in smuggler

a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally

a bootlegger of counterfeit electronics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• smuggler
• runner
• courier
• mule
• coyote
• contrabandist
• gunrunner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bootlegger

Jones had played a federal agent in Moonrunners (1975), a rollicking film from United Artists about bootleggers that was written and directed by Gy Waldron, starred Jim Mitchum and featured narration from country singer Waylon Jennings. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026

Gosha, a local station master, has a side-hustle of his own, turning a blind eye while bootleggers siphon diesel from the tankers that sit idly on the train tracks. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 July 2026

Weeth said bootleggers purchase fireworks from manufacturers in China and who, for a fee, package the fireworks in colorful branding, which are more difficult to track and often lack proper warnings. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Working primarily in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), Reeves tracked down murderers, thieves, bootleggers and other outlaws across a vast and often dangerous frontier. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026