unauthorized

adjective

Definition of unauthorizednext
as in improper
without permission; not authorized an unauthorized use of government vehicles Unauthorized personnel are not allowed in the building.

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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 unauthorized In addition, James could argue an unauthorized association with a sports betting company places him in a false light. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Nov. 2026 Federal agencies will collaborate on technical requirements, testing and data sharing for systems capable of detecting, tracking, stopping or taking control of potentially dangerous or unauthorized drones. — MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2026 Brands have largely been hesitant to wade into those waters due to pushback against deepfakes and unauthorized AI use but acceptance appears to be growing. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 2026 Despite the agency’s claims that its policies are legal, attorneys for the federal government have not defended the re-arrests or the use of unauthorized GPS monitoring. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unauthorized
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unauthorized
  1. improper
  2. illicit
  3. unlawful
  4. inappropriate
  5. unacceptable
  6. illegitimate
Adjective
  • However, a violation was issued to the business for improper storage of food.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against rideshare company Lyft, accusing it of discriminating against passengers with disabilities by repeatedly denying rides, charging improper fees and failing to make accommodations.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of improper
Adjective
  • The panel is like a scene sculpted in marble commemorating obsessive and illicit love; in such instances, the loss of the object of desire feels like an amputation, because the unobtainable lover is an extension and part of oneself.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The probe could mark the start of a tougher response to illicit operators occupying sites, following years of complaints from some of the world’s biggest mining companies.
    — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • Chrinos was charged with carrying a rifle outside a home or business, three counts of unlawful transportation of a firearm, three counts of unregistered firearms and three counts of unregistered ammunition, DHS said.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The department also wants to strengthen corporate oversight and deter unlawful applications.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • Walliams was dropped last year by publisher HarperCollins after allegations were made of inappropriate behavior.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • At the time, The Telegraph reported the publisher’s decision followed an investigation into Walliams’ inappropriate behaviour towards young women.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • But singling out businesses because their owners are Jewish is unacceptable and has no place in our city.
    — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • William James Middle received its fifth unacceptable rating in a row in the 2025-26 school year.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Well, yes, this Court is an illegitimate Court on a number of levels.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Some people who file illegitimate disputes are simply looking to take advantage of the system and were never good customers to begin with.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of illegitimate

Browse Nearby Words

unauthentic
unauthorized
unavailability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unauthorized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unauthorized. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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