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Definitions

unlicensed

[uhn-lahy-suhnst] / ʌnˈlaɪ sənst /
ADJECTIVE
illegal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
banned criminal illegitimate illicit irregular outlawed prohibited smuggled unauthorized unconstitutional unlawful 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
ADJECTIVE
illicit
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adulterous bootleg clandestine contraband furtive illegal illegitimate immoral improper prohibited unauthorized unlawful 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
ADJECTIVE
outlawed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
banned prohibited
STRONG
bootleg crooked forbidden interdicted proscribed racket smuggled taboo violating
WEAK
actionable black-market contraband criminal extralegal felonious heavy hot illegitimate illicit irregular lawless not approved not legal outside the law prosecutable shady sub-rosa unauthorized unconstitutional under-the-table unlawful unofficial unwarrantable unwarranted verboten wildcat wrongful
Antonyms
STRONG
allowed
ADJECTIVE
unlawful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
illegal illegitimate illicit improper lawless nefarious prohibited unauthorized wrongful
WEAK
actionable banned bootleg criminal flagitious forbidden iniquitous outlawed taboo under-the-counter
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allowed authorized blessed ethical good lawful legal legitimate licit moral permitted proper right rightful

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.

“Prediction markets, to the extent they facilitate unlicensed gambling, are illegal in Nevada, and we have a statutory duty to protect the public.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Nvidia’s advanced AI chips were placed under U.S. export controls by the Biden administration in October 2022, thereby restricting unlicensed sales to companies in China.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

The remaining counts allege Kalshi operated an unlicensed sports wagering business, accepting bets as small as $1 on NFL, NBA, college basketball and Super Bowl matchups.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

The rapper's team argued in court that Saxon was an unlicensed contractor who "destroyed" the "architectural gem" while working there.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

“Chaplain,” he announced with magisterial rigidity, “we charge you formally with being Washington Irving and taking capricious and unlicensed liberties in censoring the letters of officers and enlisted men. Are you guilty or innocent?”

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing unlicensed

100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 4

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