UNSANCTIONED Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

unsanctioned

adjective

Definition of unsanctioned

as in unauthorized

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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 unsanctioned Authorities said the gathering was an unsanctioned party promoted on social media that drew more than 300 attendees. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026 Once a signifier of unsanctioned parties, the word rave has never been more ubiquitous. — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026 Last week, Whitney Museum displays that advertised the current Whitney Biennial briefly bore unsanctioned messages in support of Palestine, courtesy the artist Jonathan Allen. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026 The pops of unsanctioned fireworks from around the city could be heard in the distance. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsanctioned

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsanctioned

Adjective

More than two dozen law enforcement officials, from crime analysts to chiefs of police, have been charged with violating their oaths of office and conducting unauthorized searches within the Flock Safety system in Georgia in the past few months.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
In March, for example, Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, which houses long-range B-52 bombers, went into lockdown after numerous unauthorized drones were spotted hovering over sensitive areas of the base.

— Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of unauthorized

Adjective

The unlicensed recovery center underworld ranges from places that pamper patients with space and very personal care by licensed medical professionals to places that cram patients into spaces minded by people with limited or no medical training.

— DAVID J. NEAL, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
And in recent weeks, concerns about that history — including accusations of nonpayment and unlicensed screenings at the Kingsway — have traveled west through something of an industry whisper network, increasingly spilling into public view.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of unlicensed

Adjective

The smuggled animals, which were imported from both Hong Kong and Mexico without permits, included Mexican beaded lizards, Mexican box turtles and Yucatan box turtles and baby crocodiles, prosecutors said.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Lang calls Atterton, who’s in his prison cell with a smuggled phone, to tell him the job is done and that both Bailey-Brown and Sam have been terminated.

— Barry Levitt, Time, 4 Mar. 2026

Definition of smuggled

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unsalable

unsanctioned

unsanitary

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“Unsanctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsanctioned. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unsanctioned

adjective

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