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

All this suggests that stopping illicit distillation will mean finding new attacks before stamping them out. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026

Schulze is most notably known as the eccentric pharmacist and illicit love interest, Eddie Walzer, on Showtime’s Nurse Jackie. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Cychlorphine is a synthetic opioid that is appearing in the illicit drug supply, Sorrells said. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026

The Coast Guard said several containers aboard the Grace were also believed to hold illicit fuel likely loaded in Panama, according to vessel tracking data. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026