illegal

adjective

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce illegal (audio)
Definition of illegalnext
1
as in unlawful
contrary to or forbidden by law it is illegal to import those birds into this country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in foul
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport an illegal pass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illegal
  1. unlawful
  2. foul
  3. illicit
  4. unfair
  5. criminal
  6. nasty
Adjective
  • The complaint seeks a declaration that DeWine’s executive order is unlawful.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Paporakis faces one felony count of making a terrorist threat and one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of unlawful
Adjective
  • Shohei Ohtani emerged from the visiting dugout at American Family Field with a bat in his hand, and the mass of media members scattered in foul territory up the third-base line shifted his way, pulled by the magnetic force that is Ohtani’s stardom.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Stewart attempted a pickoff throw that went off the glove of first baseman Freddie Freeman and into foul territory for an error, advancing Hamilton to second.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of foul
Adjective
  • From December 2024 to May 2025, the international law enforcement body Interpol conducted Operation Pangea XVII, in which authorities in 90 countries seized more than 50 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals.
    — Andrew Yockey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Participants were also asked about their alcohol consumption, smoking and illicit drug use.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of illicit
Adjective
  • International rights groups have repeatedly criticized the detention and, in some cases, execution of people after unfair trials.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Murmurs about the power of politicians and unfair advantages of the rich were heard as participants warmed up to each other.
    — Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfair
Adjective
  • The charges include organized theft and criminal association, said Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone.
    — SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Russell Brand has arrived to London’s Southwark Crown Court for the start of his criminal trial.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of criminal
Adjective
  • Ali then went to the top rope and hit a nasty 450 splash through the table.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • However, the modern versions that are packed with high explosives and sit lurking under the dirt to blow up unwary vehicles or pedestrians are much nastier affairs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of nasty
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.

Browse Nearby Words

ill-bred
illegal
illegalities
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Cite this Entry

“Illegal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illegal. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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