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

Lindsey has since filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against two Florida Highway Patrol troopers involved in the investigation, alleging false arrest, wrongful imprisonment and malicious prosecution. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

The widow of one of the five men killed over Labor Day weekend when an Amazon cargo plane overshot the runway at Miami International Airport filed a wrongful-death lawsuit on Wednesday. — Brady Dennis, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026

Additionally, in 2017 the state agreed to pay $248,000 to settle a wrongful termination suit against Cruz by a former prosecutor. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

In an explosive legal battle, Letty Kavanagh, former managing director of Bake Off producer Love Productions, is suing for wrongful dismissal and unpaid severance in two separate courts. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026