as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law
had a long history of using illicit drugs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illicit
The initiative includes a warrant to seize and shut down a major online recruitment channel on the Telegram messaging app and freezing hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit assets, Pirro said in a virtual press conference connecting her from Washington to journalists in Asia.
—
ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
On Friday, founder Shayne Coplan suggested Polymarket planned to continue to aggressively crack down on illicit activity on the platform.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Some lawmakers and industry groups have raised concerns about personal freedom, enforcement challenges, and the growth of illicit tobacco markets, sparking debate over individual liberty and the role of the state in regulating personal behavior.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
In all, Ragucci accepted about $88,000 in illicit funds from the Colucci brothers and Maani over the three years of the scheme, according to his plea agreement.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
On Friday, founder Shayne Coplan suggested Polymarket planned to continue to aggressively crack down on illicit activity on the platform.
—Rob Wile, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Some lawmakers and industry groups have raised concerns about personal freedom, enforcement challenges, and the growth of illicit tobacco markets, sparking debate over individual liberty and the role of the state in regulating personal behavior.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
In all, Ragucci accepted about $88,000 in illicit funds from the Colucci brothers and Maani over the three years of the scheme, according to his plea agreement.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illicit
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
-
Van Dyke, who is stationed at Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, North Carolina, was charged Thursday with the unlawful use of confidential government information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud and making an unlawful monetary transaction.—
Gary D. Robertson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
He has been charged in New York federal court with unlawful use of confidential government information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud and making an unlawful monetary transaction.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Federal authorities leading investigation The FBI is leading the criminal probe while the Secret Service is focusing on the suspect's behavioral profile, a senior law enforcement official briefed on the bicoastal investigation told USA TODAY.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In a new book, Geoff Kelly traces how the artworks moved through criminal networks, where violence took the lives of key suspects and witnesses, and challenges long-circulating theories by revisiting key details.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illicit. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
