Synonyms of illicit

illicit

adjective

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-sət 

as in illegal

contrary to or forbidden by law

had a long history of using illicit drugs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• illegal
• unlawful
• criminal
• felonious
• unauthorized
• wrongful
• forbidden
• illegitimate
• prohibited
• lawless
• immoral
• sinful
• criminalized
• evil
• unethical
• shameful
• wrong
• wicked
• unsanctioned
• bad
• unlicensed
• contraband
• reprehensible
• proscribed
• under-the-table
• outlawed
• unscrupulous
• blameworthy
• corrupt
• discouraged
• barred
• disallowed
• censurable
• interdicted
• banned
• villainous
• unprincipled
• under-the-counter
• bootleg
• blamable
• adulterine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• legal
• legitimate
• lawful
• good
• ethical
• right
• permitted
• righteous
• virtuous
• just
• authorized
• principled
• licensed
• approved
• endorsed
• proper
• correct
• allowed
• promoted
• supported
• sanctioned
• decent
• suggested
• encouraged
• abetted
• decorous
• indorsed
• seemly

Examples of illicit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Behind the scenes: Smotrich, one of the most radical politicians ever to serve in an Israeli government, has made a number of demands of the Palestinian banks to prevent the illicit funding of terrorism. —Barak Ravid, Axios, 27 Oct. 2024

On Wednesday, a WIRED exclusive revealed that one of JD Vance’s financial policy advisers has posted a lot on Reddit about illicit substances. —Leah Feiger, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2024

The footage shows first responders discussed whether Earl had taken illicit drugs because the sedatives were not working. —Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024

Though it is used for legitimate purposes to help trauma victims being treated in hospitals, illicit use has proliferated in the last decade. —Bradford Betz, Fox News, 18 Oct. 2024