as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law
had a long history of using illicit drugs
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Recent Examples of illicit
Those common problems are the drug trade — Colombia is one of the world’s leading producers of coca, which is used to make cocaine, and the United States the largest consumer of the drug — and gangs that enable the cross-border flow of people, narcotics and other illicit goods.
—
Erika Angulo, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
Although the sale of other illicit drugs, like fentanyl, has emerged in recent years, the rates of violence associated with them have not been as high.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
The illicit share of all crypto transaction volume is slightly up from last year but remains below 1%.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
The paper suggests that the illicit fentanyl trade — which drove a historic surge in drug deaths during the past decade — experienced a large-scale decline in supply.
—David Ovalle, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Erika Angulo, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
Although the sale of other illicit drugs, like fentanyl, has emerged in recent years, the rates of violence associated with them have not been as high.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
The illicit share of all crypto transaction volume is slightly up from last year but remains below 1%.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
The paper suggests that the illicit fentanyl trade — which drove a historic surge in drug deaths during the past decade — experienced a large-scale decline in supply.
—David Ovalle, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illicit
Adjective
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
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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
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None, however, elaborated on what orders were considered unlawful.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Jan. 2026
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The California Coastal Commission has issued multiple cease-and-desist orders to Sable Offshore for allegedly conducting unlawful repair work.—
Molly McCrea,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Texas criminal defense attorney Javier Guzman advised that aiding and abetting charges can result in fines of up to $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years, depending on the conduct and whether the assistance was for profit.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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The driver was cited and is expected to get a criminal complaint for endangered driving.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illicit. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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