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 theory does not turn every workplace disagreement or questionable management decision into a wrongful-termination case. — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The sons of Pineda, another cleaning-crew member in the van, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit as well. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

In August, Six Flags settled a wrongful-death lawsuit after a 22-year-old man died after riding the roller coaster in 2022. — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Nate Freed-Wessler, a deputy director at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the rise of artificial intelligence in law enforcement has fueled wrongful arrests across the country. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2026