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

Still, despite the typical procedural formula with cases tied to gun smugglers, cartel assassins and kidnappings, the show remains topical enough to keep viewers engaged. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Florida has a colorful history as a haven for smugglers and scammers. — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

That’s a daunting task for smaller institutions like university research labs or think tanks that lack the resources to track down seed smugglers and prove their case. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Gradually, his uncle, who had serious health issues that cost him his job, made his way to Aurora with the help of smugglers, soon followed by 17-year-old Juan Angel and eventually the rest of the family. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

His warning to smugglers operating beyond America’s borders was blunt. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

In 2013, a smugglers’ ship packed with African migrants sank off the coast of a southern Italian island, killing more than 365 people. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

The smugglers were two brothers who had previously been charged with methamphetamine trafficking in the Northern California town of Yreka in 2017. — Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

This surveillance can help smugglers identify areas with fewer personnel when moving people or drugs. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026