UNLICENSED Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

unlicensed

adjective

Definition of unlicensed

as in unauthorized

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 unlicensed The indictment charges all five defendants with conspiracy, unlicensed dealing and manufacturing of firearms, interstate travel with intent to unlawfully deal firearms, and unlawful importation of firearms into California. — Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 1 July 2026 In a letter to California’s health secretary, the California Hospital Association estimated that 760 unlicensed staffers would lose their jobs as nurses take on their responsibilities. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Lucas said in a news release that the city needs to crack down on unlicensed businesses skirting city regulations that are too often connected to violence. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 India has formally designated the lower portion of the 6-GHz band for unlicensed wireless use, and the 6,425-to-7,125-MHz range for licensed cellular. — Stephen Cousins, IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlicensed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlicensed

Adjective

Richards, 43, is facing two charges — touch or strike/battery/domestic violence and unauthorized use of 911 services — according to his case docket on the Broward County Clerk of Courts website Friday.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
If an agent misbehaves, floods a system, or takes an unauthorized action, the organization on the receiving end often has no reliable way to determine who is responsible for it.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

Bhagwanpuria allegedly oversaw and directed the global activities of the group from a jail cell in India, using contraband cellphones and other voiceover internet protocol devices, according to the indictment.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The indictment also charges four current and former federal inmates accused of coordinating drops using contraband cellphones.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026

Definition of contraband

Adjective

The smuggled animals, which were imported from both Hong Kong and Mexico without permits, included Mexican beaded lizards, Mexican box turtles and Yucatan box turtles and baby crocodiles, prosecutors said.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Lang calls Atterton, who’s in his prison cell with a smuggled phone, to tell him the job is done and that both Bailey-Brown and Sam have been terminated.

— Barry Levitt, Time, 4 Mar. 2026

Definition of smuggled

Browse Nearby Words

unlettered

unlicensed

unlikable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unlicensed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlicensed. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unlicensed

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

quid pro quo

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes