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
Meanwhile, trash littered the sidewalks and piled up on stoops, and the illicit economy seemed to occupy every corner.
—
Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
Sandro Petraglia’s script characterizes him as a dashing rogue out of his depth, an artistic genius in an illicit trade, a disco-loving womanizer, all of which Castellitto performs with confidence.
—Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
The scandal arises out of alleged illicit on-the-job contact between state troopers assigned to the State Office Building on Capitol Avenue in Hartford and a member of the private firm that provides security at the 95-year-old headquarters for a variety of state agencies.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
McDonnell said the efforts of authorities resulted in the seizure of more than 2,300 kilograms of cocaine, 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, 44 kilograms of fentanyl, eight firearms and more than $55 million in illicit assets.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
Sandro Petraglia’s script characterizes him as a dashing rogue out of his depth, an artistic genius in an illicit trade, a disco-loving womanizer, all of which Castellitto performs with confidence.
—Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
The scandal arises out of alleged illicit on-the-job contact between state troopers assigned to the State Office Building on Capitol Avenue in Hartford and a member of the private firm that provides security at the 95-year-old headquarters for a variety of state agencies.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026
McDonnell said the efforts of authorities resulted in the seizure of more than 2,300 kilograms of cocaine, 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, 44 kilograms of fentanyl, eight firearms and more than $55 million in illicit assets.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 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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Court records show that Moss was charged in 2024 with a range of felonies, including domestic battery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.—
Patrick Smith,
NBC news,
23 Jan. 2026
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In June 2024, court records show, Moss was charged with three felony counts of domestic battery, three felony counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two felony counts of intimidation and felony criminal recklessness.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
23 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 31 Jan. 2026.
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