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
Stacey Wondra was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm in 2023.
—
Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 31 Oct. 2025
Federal authorities have pointed to past convictions on charges of assault and unlawful possession of a firearm that resulted in him losing his green card as the justification for his detainment.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
His attorneys have a pending lawsuit alleging that his detention is unlawful and that his arrest was in violation of his Fourth Amendment rights.
—Laura Romero, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
After a series of incidents involving groups of unruly teens, the township in August adopted an ordinance holding parents responsible for their kids' unlawful behavior.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlawful
Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 31 Oct. 2025
Federal authorities have pointed to past convictions on charges of assault and unlawful possession of a firearm that resulted in him losing his green card as the justification for his detainment.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
His attorneys have a pending lawsuit alleging that his detention is unlawful and that his arrest was in violation of his Fourth Amendment rights.
—Laura Romero, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
After a series of incidents involving groups of unruly teens, the township in August adopted an ordinance holding parents responsible for their kids' unlawful behavior.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
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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That suits its otherworldly and somewhat formal tone, which takes viewers deep into Japan’s mythical past for a quartet of eerie tales about lonely ghosts and vengeful spirits who bring supernatural justice to selfish and immoral humans.—
Katie Rife,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
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The committee voted to ask Attorney General Josh Kaul to opine on whether grooming falls under the statute related to immoral conduct, which allows DPI to revoke a license if an educator violates it.—
Molly Beck,
jsonline.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There have been several serious incidents involving the illicit trade in nuclear materials in Georgia over recent decades.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
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Both developments could hand fresh ammunition to the Democrats who Republicans need to advance the bill — Democrats who had already raised concerns in closed-door meetings Wednesday over illicit finance and conflicts of interest.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But there are many other threats out there, like the evil wizard Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu) who attacks Yennefer’s forces in the climactic Battle of Montecalvo.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
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Forces of good and evil collide in a terrifying film where real-world challenges crash headlong into other worldly creatures and myths.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Since attacks like SessionReaper can expose your personal data to criminal marketplaces, consider using a reputable data removal service that continuously scans and deletes your private information, such as your address, phone number and email, from data broker sites.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
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In a case involving 19 criminal counts, Farzam was convicted of five misdemeanors in 2003.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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There have long been debates in churches about whether just listening to worldly music was sinful, let alone playing it.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
18 Oct. 2025
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No one knows the cake’s origin, but people like to offer theories on its name: Some say the word devil is a nod to the sinful dark chocolate, reminiscent of devil’s food cake.—
Sheri Castle,
Southern Living,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The boos were booming and vicious.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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This ad hoc ecosystem of technology is creating a vicious cycle where the very technology meant to solve problems ends up creating more.—
Daniel Kendzior,
Fortune,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Players have faced vile fan reactions and even death threats for their failure to satisfy bettors in the moment.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
26 Oct. 2025
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The Minnesota Vikings condemned the vile racist message defensive back Isaiah Rodgers received following the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlawful. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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