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 Lee, who lived a half mile from the laundromat, had three arrests for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, all from more than a decade ago, police said. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026 The purchase reflects a broader effort to improve protection at military bases as unauthorized drone activity becomes more common. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026 According to the district’s Parent/Student Handbook, which was adopted in 2007 and last revised in 2022, unauthorized device use during the school day can result in consequences set by each campus, including confiscation of the device. — Chaewon Chung updated July 6, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026 Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 6 July 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
  • People who participated—most of whom asked for anonymity, fearing reprisals—rejected the suggestion that there was anything improper about the practice.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 14 July 2026
  • The federal government removed some improper enrollments, but the price increase appears to have played a major role.
    — Aparna Soni, Fortune, 14 July 2026
Definition of improper
Adjective
  • An ‘illicit relationship’ John Cotham met Yaffe at Gold’s Gym in 2008, according to Yaffe’s counterclaim.
    — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • The state does offer two black plates, but a third, illicit version has been spotted on the roads.
    — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • Federal authorities routinely target South Florida remittance companies that operate as conduits for unlawful money transfers, especially for drug traffickers, because many are suspected of evading bank-reporting requirements.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Renner was charged with second-degree manslaughter and Seymore with unlawful imprisonment, among other charges.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • But does that in itself tell us that Bellingham’s comments were somehow wrong or inappropriate?
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The archdiocese also continues to investigate former Bishop Miege President Phil Baniewicz, who was ousted last August after allegations surfaced about inappropriate behavior with a minor.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • Democrats have called it an unacceptable gift from a foreign government that is barred by the Constitution, as what is called an emolument.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Should England go on to win their quarterfinal or entire tournament, their run will be tainted by this scandal, forever laden with an asterisk over this unacceptable atrocity.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • That difference suggests that the government sees this extension of patent rights as an illegitimate way for a company to exclude other companies from competing.
    — Julie Dawson, The Conversation, 23 June 2026
  • Some fraudsters run an illegitimate DME company and get a doctor to prescribe the equipment.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Definition of illegitimate

Browse Nearby Words

unauthentic
unauthorized
unavailability
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Cite this Entry

“Unauthorized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unauthorized. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unauthorized

Nglish: Translation of unauthorized for Spanish Speakers

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