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illegal

adjective

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce illegal (audio)
Definition of illegalnext
1
as in unlawful
contrary to or forbidden by law it is illegal to import those birds into this country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in foul
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport an illegal pass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illegal
  1. unlawful
  2. foul
  3. illicit
  4. unfair
  5. criminal
  6. nasty
Adjective
  • But after his son Eugene Horsch, 44, was arrested in June on charges involving unlawful firearms and forgery, police made a series of unsettling discoveries at the family home on Chew Avenue in Philly's Olney neighborhood.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Plummer has a history of violent charges in Cook County, including domestic battery and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, authorities said.
    — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • Redness, open sores, discharge, foul-smelling ears, lumps or recurring skin issues all warrant a vet visit, not a grooming session.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Redness, sores, unusual discharge, foul-smelling ears or lumps should all go to a vet rather than a home grooming session.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of foul
Adjective
  • China has strengthened its seed protection laws several times in the last few years; similarly, Japan passed new legislation in July to prevent the illicit export of homegrown varieties.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • According to the manufacturer, the system is designed to deactivate organic medications including opioids, most illicit drugs and vape fluid in different forms like pills, liquid and patches.
    — Sunny Linnebur, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • Amid ongoing disputes that have rattled a city office at the center of complaints for months, a grievance is pending in which a worker claims unfair treatment, discrimination and that he was denied a deserved promotion.
    — Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Some of that's going to be fair criticism, some of it's going to be unfair criticism.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfair
Adjective
  • Both raised concerns about the 2024 version, telling state lawmakers that the universities could face criminal penalties, civil fines or the loss of federal contracts.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • To spoil more of the joke’s punch lines would be criminal, but rest assured her son eventually confronts her about it.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of criminal
Adjective
  • Back then, researchers were focused on eradicating the New World screwworm, a nasty pest that lays its eggs in wounds on living creatures.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Paul and Matthews have been embroiled in a nasty social media feud that sparked after ABC pulled The Bachelorette season 22.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of nasty
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.

Browse Nearby Words

ill-bred
illegal
illegalities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illegal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illegal. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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