Synonyms of wrongful

wrongful

adjective

ˈrȯŋ-fəl 

as in unlawful

contrary to or forbidden by law

charged with wrongful possession of narcotics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unlawful
• illegal
• criminal
• illicit
• felonious
• unauthorized
• illegitimate
• forbidden
• lawless
• immoral
• prohibited
• wrong
• shameful
• unethical
• sinful
• evil
• criminalized
• wicked
• reprehensible
• bad
• blameworthy
• barred
• unlicensed
• corrupt
• unsanctioned
• unscrupulous
• proscribed
• disallowed
• discouraged
• censurable
• outlawed
• unprincipled
• blamable
• contraband
• under-the-table
• villainous
• interdicted
• banned
• adulterine
• bootleg
• under-the-counter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• legal
• lawful
• legitimate
• right
• ethical
• righteous
• good
• virtuous
• permitted
• principled
• just
• authorized
• licensed
• proper
• correct
• endorsed
• approved
• promoted
• supported
• allowed
• decent
• sanctioned
• suggested
• abetted
• encouraged
• decorous
• seemly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of wrongful

The money supports cases such as consumer protections, domestic violence and wrongful evictions. — Nick Sullivan july 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026

Florida’s own history of wrongful convictions in capital cases underscores what is at stake. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

McCann Beatty filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the county in December, which is still pending and which LeVota has said the county will not settle out of court. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have filed a federal wrongful-death suit alleging Oakland police used excessive force while their son was experiencing a mental health crisis. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026