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

Prior contraband attempts involved the launch of a drone from the dead end of Noe Street, just east of the facility, deputies said. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Faced with this churn – as well as staffing, security and contraband-control concerns – many jails invest little in family visitation. — Jillian Turanovic, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026

Mexican authorities have seized millions of gallons of contraband fuel in scores of railroad cars near the border with Texas. — Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

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

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

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!