1
as in illegal
contrary to or forbidden by law
it is unlawful to set off fireworks within the city limits
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in immoral
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable
a sympathetic look at the unlawful love between a married physician and an adoring colleague
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unlawful
That claim, which involves several high-profile individuals, including singer Elton John and actor Elizabeth Hurley, accuses the publisher of the Daily Mail of unlawful information gathering.
—
Lauren Kent, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
Any trippy-looking mushroom products available for sale at gas stations and head shops are likely unlawful and may contain synthetic compounds designed to mimic psilocybin’s effects.
—Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, Harry will be giving evidence in his lawsuit alleging unlawful practices at the Murdoch empire at London's High Court.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
In finding the defendant guilty in this case, the jury necessarily found unanimously that the defendant falsified 34 separate entries in his business records with the intent to defraud, which included an intent to commit or conceal a conspiracy to promote his own election by unlawful means.
—Abc News, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unlawful 
Lauren Kent, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
Any trippy-looking mushroom products available for sale at gas stations and head shops are likely unlawful and may contain synthetic compounds designed to mimic psilocybin’s effects.
—Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, Harry will be giving evidence in his lawsuit alleging unlawful practices at the Murdoch empire at London's High Court.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
In finding the defendant guilty in this case, the jury necessarily found unanimously that the defendant falsified 34 separate entries in his business records with the intent to defraud, which included an intent to commit or conceal a conspiracy to promote his own election by unlawful means.
—Abc News, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unlawful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlawful
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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The trial culminated in the dramatic display of her thong before the jury, paired with descriptions of her as manipulative and immoral.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
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Growing shares in each party describe those in the other party as more closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent than other Americans.—
NBC News,
NBC News,
22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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One of the most recognizable celebrations is lion dance troupes, a dramatic tradition meant to usher in the New Year and expel evil spirits.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
29 Jan. 2025
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In defense of my actions, as a general rule, mother-of-the-bride dresses are evil monstrosities.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Spencer, who lives in East Harlem, is charged with murder, criminal weapons possession and criminal use of a firearm, according to police.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
18 Jan. 2025
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These can all make great rivals for the criminal mastermind gangs as well.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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And in this case, there’s nothing more sinful than talking about LeBron James trades.—
Dan Woike,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Dec. 2024
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But it also was forged from a particular kind of alchemy that separates a sinful holiday confection from a sugar-sodden mess.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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But Canadian model and actress Kat Pasion, whose credits include Altered Carbon, The Flash and Nancy Drew, appears in the ID series to help corroborate the vicious abuse and assaults that Ventura allegedly endured and chronicled in her landmark civil suit.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
23 Jan. 2025
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The roughest angle to imposter syndrome seems to be a potentially vicious cycle that can ensue.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Alexander Basara and his fiancée, Ally Keller, attended Sunday’s game in Philadelphia, but their experience supporting their team was soured when an Eagles fan, identified as Ryan Caldwell, lashed out at Keller and Basara in a vile tirade.—
Paulina Dedaj,
Fox News,
17 Jan. 2025
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The vile act prompted Hodges to snatch a plastic bottle and hurl it at the suspect, who dodged the drink and then drew a knife, the deli worker said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near unlawful
Cite this Entry
“Unlawful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlawful. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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