smuggle

verb

Definition of smugglenext
as in to sell
to move (people or goods) from one country to another secretly and illegally They were arrested for smuggling drugs across the border.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of smuggle In 2025, Ukraine smuggled over 100 small drones into Russia in commercial cargo trucks and used them to strike strategic air bases thousands of miles from the border. — Todd J. Stein, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 A little less than 18 months ago, Ukraine carried out a sneak drone attack in which forces smuggled them into Russian territory and waited until the truck that was unknowingly carrying them got close to Russian bases. — Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026 But Operation Vivaldi is the first time they are known to have been smuggled behind Russia’s defensive lines. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 Sanon and several associates flew to Haiti from South Florida on a private jet, smuggling a handful of ballistic vests supplied by a Doral-area security company, prosecutors said. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smuggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smuggle
  1. sell
  2. distribute
  3. buy
  4. supply
Verb
  • The movie, directed by Siân Heder and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, adapts Gabrielle Zevin’s best-selling novel about game developers.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In 2024, The Francis House was sold to hospitality company Edward Anthony Lifestyle.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of sell
Verb
  • Major Player Last year, BBC Studios teamed with CosmoBlue to distribute channels and launch a new general entertainment network across the Middle East and North Africa regions and Turkey.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • That came after the company distributed about 471 million warrants giving holders of Paramount Skydance’s PSKY Class B shares the option to purchase stock in the new company for $12/share.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of distribute
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Crocs continues to generate strong free cash flow — $705 million in the last 12 months — and is using it to buy back shares.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Bhusri is relying on a team of newer executives, including CFO Zane Rowe and Chief AI Officer Joel Hellermark, whose startup Sana Workday bought for more than $1 billion.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of buy
Verb
  • The damage will be felt worldwide, not only in the countries leading AI’s development but in the many now battling to supply them with inputs, as well.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The money most likely came from Iran, which has supplied Hezbollah with billions of dollars and weapons over decades.
    — Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of supply

Browse Nearby Words

smug
smuggle
smuggled
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Cite this Entry

“Smuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smuggle. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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