illicitly
Outside the law
Illicitly means in a way that violates law, rules, or social norms: illicitly obtained funds, drugs illicitly manufactured in basement labs.
The word carries a sense of secrecy or concealment—things done illicitly are typically hidden from authorities or the public.
Contrary to law
- criminallyIn lawbreaking fashion
- unlawfullyAgainst the law
- fraudulentlyThrough intentional dishonesty
- bootlegIllegally produced goods
smuggled · black-market · contraband · counterfeit · pirated · trafficked · embezzled · money laundering
Done secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- covertlyDone without detection
- clandestinelyIn a hidden manner
undercover · incognito · hidden · concealed · skulking · underhanded · backstairs · hole-and-corner
Officially not permitted
- bannedOfficially disallowed
- tabooCultural or social prohibition
- outlawedForbidden by law
- verbotenProhibited by authority
unauthorized · restricted · interdicted · barred · off-limits · impermissible · disallowed · unsanctioned
illegally
Contrary to law
- criminallyIn lawbreaking fashion
- unlawfullyAgainst the law
- fraudulentlyThrough intentional dishonesty
bootleg · smuggled · black-market · contraband · counterfeit · pirated · trafficked · embezzled · money laundering · tax evasion
surreptitious
Done secretly, avoiding detection
clandestinely · undercover · incognito · hidden · concealed · skulking · underhanded · backstairs · hole-and-corner · hush-hush
prohibited
Officially not permitted
verboten · unauthorized · restricted · interdicted · barred · off-limits · impermissible · disallowed · unsanctioned · proscribed
illicitlylegally
In lawful manner
lawfully · licitly · legitimately · within the law · by the book
illicitlylegitimately
In a valid way
licitly · officially · with approval · duly · rightfully
illicitlylegitimately
In a valid way
properly · rightfully · righteously · ethically · honestly
- illicit affairProhibited romantic relationship
- illicit goodsProhibited items for sale
- illicit loveRomantic betrayal of commitment
- illicit drugsUnlawful intoxicating substances
- illicit tradeUnlawful commercial exchange
- illicit traffickingIllegal transport of contraband