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Showing results for illicit. Search instead for culici.
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.

It was the stock ticker’s 1869 introduction that brought trading, legal and illicit, to the masses.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

In 2023, over 3,000 soldiers were roped in to help tackle illicit mining across the country for six months.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

British anticrime officials and the financial-sector watchdogs estimated in 2024 that more than £100 billion in illicit money is laundered inside or through the U.K. every year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Is Steinberger concerned that people could use his tool for illicit purposes?

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

“It has happened before. Potion ingredients have gone missing from my private store cupboard . . . students attempting illicit mixtures, no doubt. “Reckon they were after potion ingredients, eh?” said Moody.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling