smuggler

noun

ˈsmə-glər How to pronounce smuggler (audio)
Definition of smugglernext
as in runner
a person who imports or exports goods secretly and illegally during Prohibition, smugglers of alcohol did a brisk business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 smuggler The new docuseries, ‘Monsters of God’, explores the underworld of reptile trafficking—one filled with exotic creatures, smugglers, drugs, weapons, special agents, and zoo connections. — Forbestv, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The smugglers hid the drugs among commercial goods shipping primarily from the port of Guayaquil. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 Sánchez said that the ruling had been intentionally misconstrued by migrant smugglers to persuade thousands of people to swim around the border fence. — Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Spanish officials said smugglers may have exploited the court ruling. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for smuggler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smuggler
  1. runner
  2. courier
  3. bootlegger
  4. mule
Noun
  • The 100-meter sprint in Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval brought together the world’s fastest runners, hurtling along at breakneck speed to shrieks of excitement from a captivated crowd.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The Sox went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left 14 on base while falling in the opener of the four-game series.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of runner
Noun
  • But even larger quantities went unseized as agents in Albuquerque stood by and watched as drug couriers entered hotels with backpacks believed to be carrying as many as 100,000 fentanyl pills.
    — Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • College student Julie Pierre, 21, feared the worst when her 350 rolls failed to arrive at Hollywood’s Yellow Green Farmers Market last Saturday — and suspected the Uber courier had vanished with her sweet delivery (valued at $3,100).
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of courier
Noun
  • The spicy margarita and bootlegger cocktails were lady-friend approved, and the guys all loved their beers.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Your guide will teach you about the origins of Prohibition and tell stories of infamous bootleggers.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of bootlegger
Noun
  • Applied at Cart $80 Buy Now First up is Jammers – Style Crush, which is a unique mashup of a chunky loafer, mule, and fuzzy slipper.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The style is a round-toe stiletto mule with a soft see-through Plexi upper.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of mule

Browse Nearby Words

smuggled
smuggler
smugglers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smuggler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smuggler. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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