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 ride has also been the subject of a wrongful-death lawsuit stemming from the death of a 22-year-old man, Christopher Hawley, who suffered a fatal brain injury after riding X2 in 2022. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Two men who each wrongfully spent nearly two decades behind bars for a robbery in New Haven that led to a fatal shooting have agreed to a settlement worth more than $30 million — the largest wrongful conviction settlement in Connecticut history. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Reyes later joined another former city employee in a wrongful termination lawsuit against Trinidad. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Gilman, who was recently designated as a wrongful detainee, was not part of a prisoner exchange, and no other concessions were provided as part of his release, according to the State Department spokesperson. — Mariam Khan, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026