Definitions

illicit

[ih-lis-it] / ɪˈlɪs ɪt /

ADJECTIVE

not legal; forbidden

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adulterous bootleg clandestine contraband furtive illegal illegitimate immoral improper prohibited unauthorized unlawful unlicensed wrongful

WEAK

black-market contrary to law criminal crooked dirty felonious guilty heavy in violation of law lawless out of line racket wrong

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard allowed authorized chaste ethical forthright good lawful legal legitimate moral open permitted pure right truthful uncorrupt

WEAK

blessed licit noble proper

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.

Lula's new plan aims to focus on financially strangling criminal factions, disrupting money laundering and cracking down on illicit markets that supply these groups, such as arms trafficking.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

He alleged they enlisted deep-pocketed boosters to provide cash or housing to players so coaches could say they had no knowledge of illicit payments.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Cambodia deported more than 600 Thais allegedly involved in online scams on Thursday, the information minister said, part of a crackdown against the multibillion-dollar illicit industry that has ballooned in the country in recent years.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Under South Korean law, those convicted of making 5bn won or more in illicit proceeds face between five years in jail and a life sentence.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

As it is, this illicit reading of mine seems a kind of performance.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Vocabulary lists containing illicit

Some Tricky Homonyms

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This Week in Words: September 1 - 7, 2018

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Brave New World

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