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 report also cited weak coordination and security measures; Kirk’s family has sent Utah officials notice of a potential wrongful-death lawsuit. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

As a result, the law school might have seen Fisher’s character review as a way to insulate itself from a lawsuit by Metze for wrongful termination. — Benjamin Wofford, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Months after the victim’s family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against San Diego, the city agreed to pay $30 million to avoid a trial — one of the largest settlements in a police wrongful-death case ever. — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 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