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.

He added that "we know that there are a number of illicit retailers at the moment that are either taking supply from the black market or just not abiding by their legal obligations today".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

As Hong Kong has become more like China, it’s no surprise adversaries see it as a hub for illicit business.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

"Their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil’s borders, across our region and into our country."

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

The bags are usually $1.49 or 99 cents, which feels almost illicit in this economy.

From Salon • May 22, 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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