Standard Lemma guide

illicitly

adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • CMU ARPABET: IH1 L IH0 S IH0 T L IY0 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adv

Meaning 1

In an illicit manner; illegally, immorally, or inappropriately.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: illegitimately, criminally, forbiddenly, illegally, illicitly, unlawfully, immodestly, immorally, improperly, incontinently, indecently, reprehensibly, unchastely, unseemly, unvirtuously, wickedly, wrongfully, wrongly

Antonyms: none provided

2

adverb

Meaning 2

in an illegal manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • they dumped the waste illegally

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: illegally, lawlessly

Antonyms: none provided

3

adverb

Meaning 3

in a manner disapproved or not allowed by custom

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He acted illegitimately when he increased the rent fourfold

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: illegitimately

Antonyms: licitly

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English illicit Middle English -ly English -ly English illicitly From illicit + -ly.