illegal

[ih-lee-guhl] / ɪˈli gəl /

ADJECTIVE

against the law

Synonyms

STRONGEST

banned criminal illegitimate illicit irregular outlawed prohibited smuggled unauthorized unconstitutional unlawful unlicensed unwarranted wrongful

WEAK

actionable black-market bootleg contraband crooked extralegal felonious forbidden heavy hot interdicted lawless not approved not legal outside the law proscribed prosecutable racket shady sub-rosa taboo under-the-table unofficial unwarrantable verboten violating wildcat

Antonyms

STRONGEST

authorized blessed ethical good justifiable lawful legal legitimate moral permitted right warranted

WEAK

allowed permissible

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.

"Of course, until yesterday the prime minister was claiming that this leadership had brought order to the chaos of illegal subsidies," it said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

They’re a crazy phenomenon with plenty of uses—some legitimate, many illegal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The Forestry Commission, which carried out the investigation, said it was the highest ever fine imposed on a case of illegal tree felling by a court in England.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Every lower court that has considered the issue has found the order illegal and prevented it from taking effect.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Finding a job allows a person to establish a positive role in the community, develop a healthy self-image, and keep a distance from negative influences and opportunities for illegal behavior.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

illegal

Example Sentences

Related Words