Synonyms of illicit

illicit

adjective

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-sət 

as in illegal

contrary to or forbidden by law

had a long history of using illicit drugs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• illegal
• unlawful
• criminal
• felonious
• unauthorized
• wrongful
• forbidden
• illegitimate
• prohibited
• lawless
• immoral
• sinful
• criminalized
• evil
• unethical
• shameful
• wrong
• wicked
• unsanctioned
• bad
• unlicensed
• contraband
• reprehensible
• proscribed
• under-the-table
• outlawed
• unscrupulous
• blameworthy
• corrupt
• discouraged
• barred
• disallowed
• censurable
• interdicted
• banned
• villainous
• unprincipled
• under-the-counter
• bootleg
• blamable
• adulterine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• legal
• legitimate
• lawful
• good
• ethical
• right
• permitted
• righteous
• virtuous
• just
• authorized
• principled
• licensed
• approved
• endorsed
• proper
• correct
• allowed
• promoted
• supported
• sanctioned
• decent
• suggested
• encouraged
• abetted
• decorous
• seemly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of illicit

As with the road from BitTorrent to Netflix, from illicit game key generators to Steam, or from Limewire to Spotify, software companies will have to adapt to the accessibility and ubiquity of free alternatives that do what their apps do. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026

Investigators had been looking into whether the actress obtained illicit and possibly counterfeit drugs from a dealer in Southern California. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

Marion and Sam’s relationship is framed as illicit; the film opens with the two of them in a hotel room, clearly post–romantic interlude, with Marion in her undergarments, though the couple is not married. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

This has pushed illicit markets to create drugs that are not fentanyl-related but have the same effects on users. — Diana Anos, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026