contraband

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After a visit home, I returned to campus with a stockpile, like a confectionery smuggler crossing state lines with sugary contraband stuffed between sweatshirts in my suitcase.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

According to the ICE website, the HSI investigates global threats, investigating the illegal movement of people, goods, money, contraband, weapons and sensitive technology into, out of, and through the United States.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

It was blowing east into Belarus the night we were out with the patrol and the only boxes the soldiers found in a car were full of Christmas shopping not contraband.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

In its efforts to combat contraband, the agency had learned how smugglers moved goods across the border, taking advantage of corruption in the ranks of Russian customs authorities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

I stuck close to Miles, because there I didn’t feel the need to check every instrument for contraband items and Communist propaganda.

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia