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Showing results for illicit. Search instead for illiquidit.
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 offers new measures against illicit finance and new authorities to address misuse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

North Korea consented to freeze its illicit nuclear work and eventually allow full inspections in exchange for a multibillion-dollar package of civilian nuclear power and oil.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

In fact, most of J. T.’s foot soldiers also held minimum-wage jobs in the legitimate sector to supplement their skimpy illicit earnings.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt