as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law
had a long history of using illicit drugs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of illicit
Legalization advocates argued legalization would cripple illicit trade, yet opponents now point to its resilience as proof of policy failure.
—
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026
In the finale, the method to her upper-echelon bootstrap-yanking is revealed to be procuring young women to fraternize (and more) with a rotating roster of nefarious dinner-party guests—oh, and seemingly also recording these illicit interactions.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 2 Mar. 2026
These illicit markets operate with a level of organization not unlike legitimate online stores.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026
The documents contain no allegations that Lifetouch itself was involved in, or that student photos were used in, any illicit activities.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2026
In the finale, the method to her upper-echelon bootstrap-yanking is revealed to be procuring young women to fraternize (and more) with a rotating roster of nefarious dinner-party guests—oh, and seemingly also recording these illicit interactions.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 2 Mar. 2026
These illicit markets operate with a level of organization not unlike legitimate online stores.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026
The documents contain no allegations that Lifetouch itself was involved in, or that student photos were used in, any illicit activities.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illicit
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
-
FedEx called its suit a procedural step to protect its customers, shareholders and the company, noting that the CIT’s ruling made clear that companies must file suit to seek reliquidation and a refund if the Supreme Court deemed the tariffs unlawful.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Ortiz Betancourt has an additional misdemeanor count of operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, while Torrealba-Pajaro has misdemeanor counts of resisting law enforcement and unlawful encroachment on a law enforcement officer.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Investigators are also looking into the man’s criminal history and his mental health status, source said.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Crown Point police said that Angelle Czaja, 23, was charged with felony criminal recklessness and misdemeanor failure to remain at the scene of an accident with bodily injury.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illicit. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
