extralegal

adjective

ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally
ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gə-lē How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
adverb

Examples of extralegal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Do these overlords have their own extralegal agendas to impose upon Josh? — Judy Berman, Time, 16 Apr. 2026 Wagner Moura brings taut control and thoughtful dynamism to the role of a scientist driven into hiding by legal and extralegal threats. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025 Sectarianism also remains embedded in the political system, if not in the voter base, while a coterie of Shia armed groups retain extralegal power. — Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 13 Nov. 2025 Aggravators articulate a spectrum of circumstances, creating a framework for determining why some people might face the death penalty while others might not, and do so without considering extralegal factors. — Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extralegal

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extralegal was in 1644

Rhymes for extralegal

See All Rhymes for extralegal

Browse Nearby Words

extralecithal
extralegal
extralimital
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extralegal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extralegal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extralegal

adjective
ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally
-gə-lē How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

extralegal

adjective
ex·​tra·​le·​gal ˌek-strə-ˈlē-gəl How to pronounce extralegal (audio)
: not regulated or sanctioned by law
extralegally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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