1
as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law
it is unlawful to set off fireworks within the city limits
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in immoral
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable
a sympathetic look at the unlawful love between a married physician and an adoring colleague
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unlawful
If Congress fails to authorize the use of force within that time, or if Congress, during that time, enacts a resolution blocking the action, the hostilities become formally unlawful.
—
Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit claims the executive order is unlawful and unconstitutional, specifically that DeSantis has usurped the exclusive authority of the federal government to identify and designate terrorist organizations.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
The unlawful attacks and murders by the Department of Homeland Security are another dereliction of congressional oversight, and both should be stopped before further harm can be done.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
In the year after the state's ban took effect, about one in five unsheltered residents statewide were cited for unlawful camping, according to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlawful
Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit claims the executive order is unlawful and unconstitutional, specifically that DeSantis has usurped the exclusive authority of the federal government to identify and designate terrorist organizations.
—ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
The unlawful attacks and murders by the Department of Homeland Security are another dereliction of congressional oversight, and both should be stopped before further harm can be done.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
In the year after the state's ban took effect, about one in five unsheltered residents statewide were cited for unlawful camping, according to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlawful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlawful
Adjective
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
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Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
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More and more people are avoiding dating or befriending those with opposing political views, and growing numbers describe those on the other side as closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent.—
Justin Callais,
Twin Cities,
5 Mar. 2026
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More and more people are avoiding dating or befriending those with opposing political views, and growing numbers describe those on the other side as closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent.—
Justin Callais,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In general, the data RADARS collected from people seeking treatment showed price, availability and purity matter most to those who use illicit drugs, which foreshadowed the shift from prescription opioids to heroin and fentanyl following a government crackdown on pill mills, Dart said.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
5 Mar. 2026
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Did the upstairs house potentially illicit goings-on?—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There is no question that the current Iranian regime is evil.—
Derek Tran,
Oc Register,
6 Mar. 2026
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Or the sight of an evil Jerry robot, puppeted by the consciousness of a tyrannical butterfly (Dave Franco), scampering, insect-like, around the fiery maelstrom of a rally gone awry.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Jalloh’s lengthy criminal history includes more than 30 arrests for charges of rape, assault, drug possession, property destruction, identity theft, trespassing, firing a weapon, grand larceny, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and pickpocketing.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Mar. 2026
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s most prominent political rival, Imamoglu stands accused by prosecutors of leading a criminal organization.—
Beril Akman,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The least sinful states in 2026 Wyoming was ranked the least sinful state in 2026, followed by New Hampshire, Idaho, Vermont, Maine, Minnesota, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
25 Feb. 2026
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Most sinful states ranked Nevada is the most sinful state, according to WalletHub.—
Michael Guise,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Ironically, that war emboldened Iran, as the vicious Iraqi strongman was a regional counterbalance to the vicious mullahs.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
6 Mar. 2026
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The Islamic State, or ISIS, the most vicious terror group ever, found Iraq to be the perfect launching pad for its marauders.—
Nolan Finley,
Twin Cities,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Aerion was absolutely vile to him.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
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That’s why every encounter with a non-vile mezcal should be celebrated, and the Desolas Mezcal Reposado is decidedly not vile.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlawful. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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