Illicit — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-sət/ il·lic·it

Meaning & Definition of Illicit

Illicit (adjective)

  1. not permitted, unlawful

Illicit (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. contrary to or forbidden by law

    "had a long history of using illicit drugs"

    similar: criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, lawless, unlawful, wrongful
    related: bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible, banned, barred, contraband, criminalized, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, adulterine, bootleg, unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned, under-the-counter, under-the-table, corrupt, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous
    opposite: lawful, legal, legitimate
    near: ethical, good, just, principled, right, righteous, virtuous, allowed, permitted, authorized, licensed, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, abetted, encouraged, promoted, suggested, supported, correct, decent, decorous, proper, seemly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Illicit

The most common words with a similar meaning to Illicit:

criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, lawless, unlawful, wrongful

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Illicit

Words with the opposite meaning of Illicit:

lawful, legal, legitimate

Related Words for Illicit

bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible, banned, barred, contraband, criminalized, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, adulterine, bootleg, unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned, under-the-counter, under-the-table

Near Antonyms of Illicit

ethical, good, just, principled, right, righteous, virtuous, allowed, permitted, authorized, licensed, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, abetted, encouraged, promoted, suggested, supported, correct, decent, decorous, proper, seemly

Word Forms of Illicit

Derived words: illicitly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Illicit

Latin illicitus, from in- + licitus lawful licit

First known use: 1606

Frequently Asked Questions about Illicit

What does "Illicit" mean?

"Illicit" means not permitted, unlawful. As an adjective, it is defined as: not permitted, unlawful.

What is another word for "Illicit"?

Other words for "Illicit" include criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, lawless, unlawful and wrongful. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Illicit" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Illicit"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Illicit". Common alternatives include criminal, felonious, illegal, illegitimate, lawless, unlawful and wrongful.

What is the opposite of "Illicit"?

Antonyms of "Illicit" include lawful, legal and legitimate. Near antonyms include ethical, good, just and principled.

How do you use "Illicit" in a sentence?

Examples of "Illicit" in a sentence: "had a long history of using illicit drugs".

Is "Illicit" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Illicit" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Illicit"?

"Illicit" is pronounced /(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-sət/ and divided into syllables as il·lic·it.

What is the origin of the word "Illicit"?

"Illicit" comes from Latin illicitus, from in- + licitus lawful licit. First known use: 1606.