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

With the traditional clinic system in place, illicit drug dealers could still capitalize on knowing precisely where their target clientele — the vulnerable, the wavering — would gather. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026

Will Hichem stay clean, on the right track when he’s surrounded by people involved in illicit deal-making? — Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

The regime does pose a direct threat to the United States because of its illicit nuclear program. — Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Spooked investors have even sued Supermicro for securities fraud, fearing that the company’s sales may be dominated by such illicit sales. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026