Synonyms of smugglers

smugglers

noun

plural of smuggler

as in runners

a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally

during Prohibition, smugglers of alcohol did a brisk business

Synonyms & Similar Words

• runners
• couriers
• bootleggers
• mules
• coyotes
• contrabandists
• gunrunners

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of smugglers

Wong haunts the stories of the Floridian smugglers, connected to many of the feuds and undercover operations. — Rory Doherty, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

The new docuseries, ‘Monsters of God’, explores the underworld of reptile trafficking—one filled with exotic creatures, smugglers, drugs, weapons, special agents, and zoo connections. — Forbestv, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The smugglers hid the drugs among commercial goods shipping primarily from the port of Guayaquil. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Sánchez said that the ruling had been intentionally misconstrued by migrant smugglers to persuade thousands of people to swim around the border fence. — Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Spanish officials said smugglers may have exploited the court ruling. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 31 July 2026

After helping rescue a small group of ploughshares confiscated from smugglers, Goode and the Turtle Conservancy became the first to successfully breed the species outside of Madagascar. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026