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

At around the same time, officials warned Americans traveling to China of the risk of wrongful detention, electronic surveillance and restrictions that could prevent them from leaving the country. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

The State Department continues to warn Americans against traveling to Russia because of the risk of wrongful detention. — Olivia Gazis, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The book traces the women’s histories of abuse, poverty and addiction, raising questions about convictions shaped by inadequate legal defenses and possible wrongful prosecutions. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

The spokesman added that wrongful detention is determined by a variety of factors, including having US citizenship or a connection to the US. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026