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 He was also charged with battery resulting in bodily injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication -- all misdemeanors. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Look for a number transfer lock, port-out protection or another feature designed to block unauthorized transfers. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The government pledged action, including a crackdown on unauthorized medical providers, to prevent more such infections. — Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 Petit-Phare faces a charge of possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 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
  • Miller has also been charged for the improper display or possession of the plates of another vehicle in Kansas City’s Municipal Court.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Troopers are also on the lookout for unsafe lane changes, tailgating and improper passing.
    — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of improper
Adjective
  • In Virginia’s Franklin County, Henry Law made the switch from illicit moonshine production to commercial sales.
    — Cole Reynolds, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Johnny’s undercover mission leads to an unexpected bromance as he gets drawn into his target’s world of illicit thrills.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • He is charged with official misconduct in the first degree, which is punishable by up to 12 months behind bars, if convicted, and unlawful access to a computer in the fourth degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 90 days.
    — Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Investigators accused him of obstruction of justice, unlawful contracting and, among other things, claiming $127,630 in expenses linked to fictitious missions and plane tickets for nearly a dozen trips.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • From the seasonally inappropriate hot springs of Beitou to the glossy, souvenir-flogging halls of Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, the plot of this coming-of-age story doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities of traveling abroad.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Within minutes, the profile received follow requests, inappropriate direct messages and lewd video calls from adult men.
    — Titania Jordan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • That explanation, which was given to Quatraro on the field, clearly was unacceptable to the Royals manager.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Both noted that any sort of political violence is unacceptable.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • The researchers suspect that others were created by AI that either hallucinated or, just like the AI agents browsing their file, couldn’t distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate instructions.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Internet discussions portrayed the SPLC as a politically motivated or illegitimate actor.
    — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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