Definitions

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.

Police departments are also trying to educate the public before issuing citations or towing an illegal bike, but officials said it’s a challenge.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

It also announced that, for the first time, the UK's official guidance would "explicitly advise businesses against economic and financial activity in illegal settlements".

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The wall is intended to curb illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking from Mexico, which have declined, according to official indicators.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

In written testimony, Glynn shared his experience hearing about young women performing illegal abortions when he was a freshman at the University of South Dakota in 1966.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

All of our departures from the country were dangerous, abrupt, and mostly illegal.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Vocabulary lists containing illegal

List 3

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"A Natural Balance" and "In My Dreams"

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Fear and Loathing in Cleveland: Trump's RNC Acceptance Speech

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