Synonyms of contraband

contraband

adjective

as in prohibited

not legally permissible to possess, import, or export

The customs agents searched the shipping containers for contraband items.

Related Words

• prohibited
• unauthorized
• smuggled
• forbidden
• illicit
• illegal
• improper
• proscribed
• banned
• outlawed
• interdicted
• disallowed
• unlicensed
• barred
• unapproved
• criminalized
• unsanctioned
• unlawful
• bootleg
• discouraged
• criminal
• under-the-table
• under-the-counter
• wrongful
• felonious
• illegitimate

Dissimilar Words

• permitted
• authorized
• licensed
• legal
• approved
• allowed
• endorsed
• proper
• legitimate
• lawful
• promoted
• correct
• supported
• sanctioned
• suggested
• decent
• decorous
• encouraged
• abetted
• seemly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contraband

He was sentenced 20 years for the contraband conviction and six months for the assault and battery, all to be served concurrently. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

The contraband sale of oil and gasoline has become a multibillion-dollar business in Mexico, with the government accusing crime groups of working hand-in-glove with corrupt officials and businesses. — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

The indictment also charges four current and former federal inmates accused of coordinating drops using contraband cellphones. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026

Officials said Monday 15 people were taken to the hospital after residents of the Horizon Juvenile Center, which houses young offenders, armed themselves with contraband and makeshift knives as chaos erupted Sunday. — Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 22 June 2026

The Australian government announced a recent contraband haul that would make most peoples' skin crawl. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 7 June 2026

That encounter led to The Alabama Solution, a documentary that uses footage shot on contraband cell phones to expose allegedly inhumane conditions inside Alabama's prison system. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026

And in May 2020, with the help of sniffer dogs, Russian customs seized 70 tons of contraband European cheeses that were being smuggled into the country. — Olivia Potts, Longreads, 28 May 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!