as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law
had a long history of using illicit drugs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illicit
Prosecutors alleged that McGriff used Murder Inc. to launder drug money, financing the film Crime Partners and other business ventures with illicit funds.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Trump announced the 10% China tariff Saturday along with 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, citing border security, as well as the illicit international flow of drugs such as fentanyl.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2025
This is an easy argument to dismiss because most illicit drugs don't enter the U.S. via people sneaking across the border.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
Yet, the defendants allegedly stole $44 million from the relief pool and chose to spend their illicit gains on jewelry, designer clothing, and luxury cars.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illicit 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Trump announced the 10% China tariff Saturday along with 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, citing border security, as well as the illicit international flow of drugs such as fentanyl.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2025
This is an easy argument to dismiss because most illicit drugs don't enter the U.S. via people sneaking across the border.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
Yet, the defendants allegedly stole $44 million from the relief pool and chose to spend their illicit gains on jewelry, designer clothing, and luxury cars.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illicit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illicit
Adjective
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Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
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Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
Adjective
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In November 2024, Shamika Mitchell, 38, was convicted of unlawful desertion of a child and aggravated child abuse, according to the State’s Attorney for Florida’s 7th Circuit.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
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With government funding set to expire on March 14, Jeffries also stressed other actions Democrats are taking, including introducing a new bill to block unlawful access to the Treasury Department's payment programs, which store personal data for millions of Americans.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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We are told that the goal is to deport immigrants who have committed criminal acts.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2025
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Trump's directive gives all federal agencies a 60-day window to identify civil and criminal authorities available to combat antisemitism and deport anti-Jewish activists who broke any laws.—
Fox News Staff,
Fox News,
30 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near illicit
Cite this Entry
“Illicit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illicit. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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