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
Modern wastewater treatment plants often fail to scrub out the microscopic remnants of the world’s pharmaceutical and illicit drug use.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
What was once considered an illicit, communal, and vaguely transgressive symbol is now sold as a mainstream product through sleek dispensaries that, at least in California, seem to crop up around every corner.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
Fentanyl seizures, along with several other illicit drugs, have also dipped.
—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Though adults over 21 are allowed to recreationally use the still-federally illicit substance, the state still regulates various aspects of consumption, possession and sales of marijuana plants and products.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
What was once considered an illicit, communal, and vaguely transgressive symbol is now sold as a mainstream product through sleek dispensaries that, at least in California, seem to crop up around every corner.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
Fentanyl seizures, along with several other illicit drugs, have also dipped.
—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Though adults over 21 are allowed to recreationally use the still-federally illicit substance, the state still regulates various aspects of consumption, possession and sales of marijuana plants and products.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 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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Van Dyke, who is stationed at Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, North Carolina, was charged Thursday with the unlawful use of confidential government information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud and making an unlawful monetary transaction.—
Gary D. Robertson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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He has been charged in New York federal court with unlawful use of confidential government information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud and making an unlawful monetary transaction.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In 2025 alone, the city paid these firms more than $20 million to fight the claims of people whose criminal convictions were overturned in court.—
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
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Assault victims in Virginia may seek a civil resolution to their criminal case through accord and satisfaction, an agreement for an amount owed in damages, such as money to cover the cost of medical bills or property repairs.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illicit. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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