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

Beatty has since filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the county. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

The Instagram and OnlyFans model also accused the rap star and his Yeezy company of wrongful termination, gender discrimination, fraud and other misconduct. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Suda filed suit for wrongful dismissal, and the museum countersued her for theft; the conflict is set to be resolved via arbitration, at a judge’s order, later this year. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 July 2026

Hadley later sued the city of Anaheim, alleging police failed to thoroughly investigate the allegations against her and that their actions led to her wrongful arrest and incarceration. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026