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

In the 1980s, hip-hop albums felt like contraband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 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

Afterwards, Gandhi presided over waves of civil disobedience protests, encouraging supporters of the Indian National Congress to manufacture contraband salt, boycott foreign goods, and face down phalanxes of lathi-wielding policemen.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2025

The single most interesting word, when it came to the bending and ignoring of rules, was contraband.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover