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 The couple was involved in transactions that saw American black bear gallbladders and cougar bones being smuggled into Vietnam, as well as black and white rhinoceros horns, lion teeth and a tiger pelt being illegally imported to Oregon. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 Amnesty has reported abuses against miners in areas taken over by M23 and alleged that gold and coltan are smuggled into Rwanda. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 No, the scene exists so that Fielder can smuggle in some of his signature comedy fixations. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 But at sea, Spanish guarda costas (armed customs officials) pounced on British ships, allegedly searching for goods being smuggled in for sale. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smuggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smuggle
  1. sell
  2. distribute
  3. buy
  4. supply
Verb
  • The verdict St Vincent possesses an unexplored, get-away-from-it-all tranquillity that many more boisterous Caribbean islands would sell their last rum punch for.
    — James Rampton, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The three suspects — two Greeks and one Albanian national — are accused of removing piping from the building’s gas supply network to sell the copper as scrap, causing a major gas leak.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of sell
Verb
  • Between 1919 and 1948, Micheaux wrote, produced, directed, and distributed more than 40 films entirely outside the studio system, carrying his prints by train, pitching theater owners in person and putting his work in front of audiences himself.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The products were distributed between October and December 2025.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of distribute
Verb
  • Although a committee of parents, teachers, students and other community leaders spelled out the need for the bond package, the voters didn’t buy in to it.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also scrapped some ad buys in both states down the stretch, decisions that paid off as the party won both seats early on Tuesday night.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of buy
Verb
  • The company will supply design and simulation tools for developing the photonic architecture.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The helmet uses a carbon-fiber shell to help control weight and comes supplied with clear and dark visors, as well as a Pinlock anti-fog insert.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of supply

Browse Nearby Words

smug
smuggle
smuggled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smuggle. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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