contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc.: The referee ruled that it was an illegal forward pass.
noun
Informal: Disparaging and Offensive. illegal alien.
Origin of illegal
From the Medieval Latin word illēgālis, dating back to 1620–30. See il-2, legal
SYNONYMS FOR illegal
1 unlawful; illegitimate; illicit; unlicensed.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR illegal ON THESAURUS.COM
synonym study for illegal
1, 2. Illegal,unlawful,illegitimate,illicit,criminal can all describe actions not in accord with law. Illegal refers most specifically to violations of statutes or, in organized athletics, codified rules: an illegal seizure of property; an illegal block ( in football ). Unlawful means not sanctioned by or according to law: an unlawful claim to the inheritance; to take unlawful advantage of the trading situation.Illegitimate means lacking legal or traditional right or rights: an illegitimate child; illegitimate use of privileged knowledge.Illicit, which originally meant simply “not permitted,” now most often applies to matters regulated by law with specific emphasis on the way things are carried out: illicit conversion of property; an illicit attempt to control the market.Criminal most often refers to violation of the statutes of penal as opposed to civil law. All felonies are criminal as are all crimes sometimes punishable by death such as murder, arson, and kidnapping: a criminal act.
usage note for illegal
3. See illegal alien.
OTHER WORDS FROM illegal
il·le·gal·ly,adverb
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH illegal
illegal , illicit (see synonym study at the current entry)
Record fires in the Pantanal region this summer are also linked to illegal land-clearing for agriculture, which doubled in the first half of the year, Federal University of Mato Grosso ecologist Leticia Couto Garcia told Unearthed.
What wildfires in Brazil, Siberia, and the US West have in common|Lili Pike|September 17, 2020|Vox
The foundation supplies them with legal support as well as technological equipment and training so they can use smartphones, drones, and satellites to monitor illegal loggers and miners, and take action to stop them.
Want to fight climate change effectively? Here’s where to donate your money.|Sigal Samuel|September 17, 2020|Vox
Right now in New York that’s illegal, but I think One Fair Wage has been pushing that fight, and I think maybe now, maybe the industry will be more open to something like that.
Tom Colicchio Hopes (and Fears) COVID-19 Will Change the Restaurant Industry|Pallabi Munsi|September 16, 2020|Ozy
He projects that reliable clonal stocks could increase yields by 30 to 50 percent, drastically reducing the pressure for illegal forest clearing.
The Environmental Headache in Your Shampoo - Issue 90: Something Green|Anastasia Bendebury & Michael Shilo DeLay|September 16, 2020|Nautilus
Despite the rise of streaming as the primary mode of music consumption globally, illegal music download sites have remained a major source for most users across Africa.
An Africa-focused music download service raised $6 million from its IPO to help pay artists|Yomi Kazeem|September 16, 2020|Quartz
Watching him now being accused of illegal operations will not see them shedding any tears.
Annoying Airport Delays Might Prevent You From Becoming the Next AirAsia 8501|Clive Irving|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In March, police arrested a group of wealthy businessmen and government officials who were about to dine on illegal tiger meat.
China’s Internet Is Freer Than You Think|Brendon Hong|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This would take time since, under current law, even scouting Cuban baseball players on the island is illegal.
Is Major League Baseball Ready For Cuba’s Players?|Ben Jacobs|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The lawyers decided to stay in Chechnya and demand investigation of illegal actions against them and their office.
Putin’s Favorite Acolyte Terrorizes Human Rights Activists|Anna Nemtsova|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Surenos are told when to workout, who to associate with and how to distribute any funds they make from illegal activity.
The Mexican Mafia Is the Daddy of All Street Gangs|Seth Ferranti|December 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Men with a vote have no valid excuse for resorting to the use of illegal means to fight their battles.
The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 2 of 2)|Ida Husted Harper
The authorities of our Nation have condemned membership in the Communist organization as illegal and have proven Debs a criminal.
The Red Conspiracy|Joseph J. Mereto
Between myself and the illegal Junta now sitting at Tlatonac, there is no friendship, no trust, no faith.
The Harlequin Opal, Vol. 2 (of 3)|Fergus Hume
I am about to examine a witness, but with no illegal questions nor shall I force him to testify against himself.
"Persons Unknown"|Virginia Tracy
Acts which are illegal practices when done by a candidate or agent, and are a minor offence when done by any one else.