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
So far this year, 17 tons of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific region – more than three times the total across the whole of last year, according to the Australian Federal Police.
—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.
—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
26 June 2026
Australian Federal Police via AP Six others allegedly involved in the importation of the cocaine had previously been arrested and charged with offenses related to illicit drugs possession, police said.
—
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Federal judge Edgardo Ramos also ordered several luxury properties that Scott bought with the illicit funds to be forfeited to the federal government.
—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
The worrisome drug withdrawal popping up in jails A powerful tranquilizer has started to accompany fentanyl in the country’s illicit opioid supply, and jails are struggling to handle the drug’s excruciating, complicated withdrawal symptoms.
—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
26 June 2026
Australian Federal Police via AP Six others allegedly involved in the importation of the cocaine had previously been arrested and charged with offenses related to illicit drugs possession, police said.
—
CBS News,
22 June 2026
Federal judge Edgardo Ramos also ordered several luxury properties that Scott bought with the illicit funds to be forfeited to the federal government.
—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illicit
Adjective
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Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Johnson, said in an email that Sanchez-Munoz had been charged with one count of second-degree felony murder, five counts of unlawful use of a weapon and five counts of armed criminal action.
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The policies Goode violated include unlawful harassment discrimination policy, professional conduct, code of conduct and mobile data access.
Adjective
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Guo was convicted of nine of 12 criminal charges during a seven-week trial that prosecutors said showcased his deception of thousands of investors in bogus deals that enabled Guo’s lavish lifestyle.
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In May 2025, a Placer County criminal grand jury indicted both men.
Cite this Entry
“Illicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illicit. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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